Robert L. “Bob” Clausen, age 90, of Helena

Robert Lee “Bob” Clausen left this earthly world in the early morning hours of January 30, 2025, surrounded by his devoted family.

Bob was born to John Edward Clausen and Eleanor (Kuhn) Clausen on March 7, 1934, in Helena, MT. Bob’s early childhood years were spent on the Clausen ranch west of Helena and in the mining community of Rimini. In 1939 the family moved to their long-time home on 9^th Ave in Helena. Bob often related fond memories of his school years while growing up with his sister Joy. He was active in athletics and art activities during those years. Bob graduated from Helena High School in 1952; where during his Sr. year, he served as student body president.

Bob began his college experience at Humboldt State University in Arcata, CA, where he had accepted a football and art scholarship. Bob enlisted in the US Army in 1954 after a football injury ended his scholarship. He was stationed at Fort Huachuca near Bisbee, AZ during his service.

Bob married Shirley Ann Collings at the Cathedral of St. Helena on December 31, 1955. The couple moved to Bozeman, MT upon Bob’s discharge from the Army in 1956, where Bob would complete his college education with the aid of the “GI bill”. While living in Bozeman their eldest child, Kimberlee, was born. Bob graduated from MSU Bozeman in 1958 with degrees in Art and Education. He was prepared to begin a teaching and coaching career when his father asked him to instead return to Helena and assist with the operation and development of Clausen Distributing Co. The business remained in the family until its sale in 2005. Bob was instrumental in the growth of the company and the many industry accolades it received during its operation.

Bob and Shirley built a home in the Helena valley in 1960. The family grew with the birth of daughter Kristie Lee (1961), son Kirk John (1963), and daughter Kathy Marie (1966). Bob and Shirley divorced in 2007. Bob then moved to the Stoney Brook Community near MT City, where he continued to make cherished friendships.

Bob actively supported Helena events and those of surrounding communities. He served on the Helena School board, along with long-time friend Jeff Morrison. He was a member of the Helena Exchange Club, Knights of Columbus, Elks, and numerous other organizations. Bob especially enjoyed serving on an advisory committee for the MT Dept. of Military Affairs.

Professionally, Bob served as a board member of the MT Beer and Wine Wholesalers. He valued the personal friendships and professional relationships he made throughout his lifetime.

Bob was an unwavering Green Bay Packer fan, much to the dismay of some family. He became a somewhat reluctant participant in the family ski trips, initially excelling at unintended backward descents, eventually becoming an accomplished skier. He enjoyed golf, hunting, fishing, and boating (only under optimal weather conditions). Bob loved to play cards, sketch, and paint. He was a proficient artist and took pleasure in creating a seasonal sketch to be used on the Christmas cards sent to friends and family.

Bob especially enjoyed attending the sporting events of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He was beloved by his family and known for his quick wit, dry sense of humor, reminiscences of Helena area history and his adventures (some of which are best left untold).

Bob was preceded in death by his parents; half-brother William H. Clausen; brother-in-law Bill Lyman; and eldest grandson, Wyman Robert Hewitt.

Bob is survived by his children, Kim Hewitt (Dave), Kristie Jacoby (Mark), Kirk Clausen, and Kathy Krebsbach (Kevin). He is also survived by his grandchildren, Tiffany Yetter (Chan), Alex Wilson, Kenzie Greer (Jimmy), Drew Clausen (Alyssa), Christopher Benson (Colleen), Katie McCarthy (Conner), and great-grandchildren, Cooper Hewitt, Hannah and Kambria Greer, Ashlyn Benson, and Kannon Clausen. In addition, he is survived by his sister Marlene Joy Lyman, numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and former wife Shirley Collings Clausen.

The family would like to thank the Horne family of Capital Transfer and Storage for their help in Bob’s move to assisted living; the staff and residents of Golden Options Care, and Headwaters Hospice, who treated Bob with respect, dignity, and love in the final months of his life.

Per Bob’s wishes there will be no immediate service. A celebration of life will be held with family at a later date.

The family respectfully suggests donations in Bob’s name be made to the organization of the donor’s choice.

Service Schedule

Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.

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