Raymond George Clausen

Raymond George Clausen

November 27, 1953 - May 28, 2026

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Obituary

MADISON - Raymond G. Clausen, age 72, of Madison, passed away at home on Thursday, May 28, 2026. He was born on November 27, 1953, in Northampton, Mass., the son of Wendell Clausen and Corinna Slice.


Raymond graduated from Lexington High School in 1971, earned his bachelor's degree from Washington University in St. Louis in 1975, and received his juris doctor from Emory University in 1980. He married H. Elizabeth “Liz” Severson on June 11, 1977. Together, Raymond and Elizabeth worked as attorneys, owning and operating their own law firm, Clausen & Severson.


Ray will be fondly remembered for his droll wit, creative mind, and thoughtfulness. He enjoyed spending time with his family, reading mystery novels, taking long walks, and bike riding. For many years, Ray and Liz helped raise money for blood cancer research through their local cycling team, The Lymphomaniacs. An avid sailor and whimsical potter, Ray found joy in both adventure and creativity. Ray was a devoted friend and a loving father and husband. He navigated life with a gentle curiosity evident in his love of language, his handiness around the house, and his care for others. His kindness, intelligence, and generosity will be remembered by all who knew and loved him.


Raymond is survived by his wife, Liz; sons, Elliot (Thair) Thursday and David Clausen; brother, John Peter (Pat) Clausen; sister-in-law, Jean Severson (Edward) Southall; and step-siblings, Jane Woodman (David Russell) and Ned (Susan) Woodman. He was preceded in death by his parents; and brother, Thomas Andrew Francis Clausen.


Ray’s mortal remains will be interred at Bellefontaine Cemetery in St. Louis, Mo. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.


Memorial donations may be made to the UW Carbone Cancer Center: Prostate Cancer Research Greatest Need Fund (tinyurl.com/3yxx2uvv) or Blood Cancer United through Ray’s Lymphomaniacs page (go.lympho.info/rayclausen).


Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.


Gunderson West
Funeral & Cremation Care
7435 University Ave.
(608) 831-6761



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A Memorial Tree was planted for Raymond G. Clausen
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We are deeply sorry for your loss ~ Gunderson Funeral Home - Middleton
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Gunderson Funeral Home
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Holly Lutz
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“Droll wit” understates the essence of Raymond Clausen that I will miss most. Roger, born the same year, also enjoyed that about him. Thank you, Liz and Ray, for your generous support of cancer research. The Lymphomaniacs have made a difference! Holly
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Nancy Vedder-Shults
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Dear Liz -- I'm saddened to hear of Ray's death. I'm sending a virtual hug to you during this time of grief. Love, Nancy Vedder-Shults
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Eva Serra
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I am so sad, he was a great person, generous and able to make you laugh through rough times. He gave me great support after my bike accident and I always could count on his support. David, Edgar sends you his condolences. And Liz, I am so sorry, I wish you muchos ánimos.
CG
chris gargan
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Ray was one of the most delightful, funny, and erudite people I have had the pleasure to know. Such an enormous loss for Liz, Elliot, and David. Your husband and dad was a truly great man and he will be greatly missed. How lucky we all were to have had Ray in our lives. Love you all, Chris Gargan

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