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

Raymond George Clausen

November 27, 1953 - May 28, 2026

Share photos of Raymond