Kenneth Claus
February 17, 1940 - October 27, 2020
Obituary
Kenneth “Ken” F. Claus, loving husband, devoted father and grandfather, age 80, of Saginaw, went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, October 27, 2020.
The son of Herman and Esther (nee Schade) Claus, Ken was born February 17, 1940, in Norfolk, Nebraska. He married Donna Oppermann on July 6, 1963.
Ken grew up on his family farm in Nebraska. He attended Concordia University – Seward and eventually went on to earn two master's degrees, one in education and the other in administration. Ken taught for 42 years. He had a great love for teaching, interacting with children, and encouraging them in their learning and their skills in sports. His former students still called him “coach”. Ken taught in the Lutheran School system (Missouri Synod), which took him and his family to Wisconsin, Indiana, and Michigan, eventually landing in Saginaw for retirement. In his retirement, Ken was a substitute teacher (even up until a few years ago), served on boards at Valley Lutheran High School and Peace Lutheran Church, where he was also an usher and attended Bible study classes. Ken himself had a lifelong love of learning. He loved books and helped with book sales at Zauel and Butman Fish libraries. He also volunteered time delivering meals with Meals on Wheels. In his spare time, he enjoyed solving sudoku and puzzles. He especially loved being a role model and supporter for his grandsons. Ken loved his family immensely and treasured his time with them.
Ken is survived by his beloved wife, Donna Claus; his loving children, Lori Claus of Springfield, IL, Jim Claus of Sterling Heights, MI, and Brian (Crystal) Claus, of Freeland, MI; his adored grandsons, Jacob, Joshua, and Caleb Claus, and step-grandson, Enoch Davis IV; siblings, Arland Claus, Paul (Kathy) Claus, and Bonnie (Dennis) McMann; several cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends. Ken was preceded in death by his dear daughter, Sara Claus, his parents, and two brothers, Robert Claus and Norman Claus.
Visitation will take place Tuesday, November 3, 2020, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Fischer Family Funeral Home, 504 N. Michigan Avenue, Saginaw, Michigan 48602. In accordance with current state mandated restrictions, safe distancing and limitations on number gathered within the building will be observed. Attendees are also kindly asked to wear a mask or other facial covering while inside the funeral home, per state requirements.
Funeral Service will take place Wednesday, November 4, 2020, at 11:00 a.m. at Peace Lutheran Church, 3427 Adams Avenue, Saginaw, Michigan 48602. Rev. Matthew Hauser will officiate. Those planning to attend Ken's funeral are asked to call the church office at (989) 793-9025 to inform them you will be in attendance at church. Guests must also sign a guestbook upon entry, wear a mask, and observe safe distancing from those outside their household. Thank you for your understanding as we do our best to keep everyone safe and healthy. For those unable to attend, the funeral will be live-streamed at the following web address: http://peacesaginaw.org/watch/
Burial will take place at Holy Cross Lutheran Cemetery, Saginaw.
Memorials in honor of Ken may be made to Peace Lutheran Church Tuition Assistance Fund, care of the church, or to Valley Lutheran High School, 3560 McCarty Road, Saginaw, Michigan 48603.
For information, please call (989) 755-8277. To express condolences, please visit www.fischerfuneral.com.
The son of Herman and Esther (nee Schade) Claus, Ken was born February 17, 1940, in Norfolk, Nebraska. He married Donna Oppermann on July 6, 1963.
Ken grew up on his family farm in Nebraska. He attended Concordia University – Seward and eventually went on to earn two master's degrees, one in education and the other in administration. Ken taught for 42 years. He had a great love for teaching, interacting with children, and encouraging them in their learning and their skills in sports. His former students still called him “coach”. Ken taught in the Lutheran School system (Missouri Synod), which took him and his family to Wisconsin, Indiana, and Michigan, eventually landing in Saginaw for retirement. In his retirement, Ken was a substitute teacher (even up until a few years ago), served on boards at Valley Lutheran High School and Peace Lutheran Church, where he was also an usher and attended Bible study classes. Ken himself had a lifelong love of learning. He loved books and helped with book sales at Zauel and Butman Fish libraries. He also volunteered time delivering meals with Meals on Wheels. In his spare time, he enjoyed solving sudoku and puzzles. He especially loved being a role model and supporter for his grandsons. Ken loved his family immensely and treasured his time with them.
Ken is survived by his beloved wife, Donna Claus; his loving children, Lori Claus of Springfield, IL, Jim Claus of Sterling Heights, MI, and Brian (Crystal) Claus, of Freeland, MI; his adored grandsons, Jacob, Joshua, and Caleb Claus, and step-grandson, Enoch Davis IV; siblings, Arland Claus, Paul (Kathy) Claus, and Bonnie (Dennis) McMann; several cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends. Ken was preceded in death by his dear daughter, Sara Claus, his parents, and two brothers, Robert Claus and Norman Claus.
Visitation will take place Tuesday, November 3, 2020, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Fischer Family Funeral Home, 504 N. Michigan Avenue, Saginaw, Michigan 48602. In accordance with current state mandated restrictions, safe distancing and limitations on number gathered within the building will be observed. Attendees are also kindly asked to wear a mask or other facial covering while inside the funeral home, per state requirements.
Funeral Service will take place Wednesday, November 4, 2020, at 11:00 a.m. at Peace Lutheran Church, 3427 Adams Avenue, Saginaw, Michigan 48602. Rev. Matthew Hauser will officiate. Those planning to attend Ken's funeral are asked to call the church office at (989) 793-9025 to inform them you will be in attendance at church. Guests must also sign a guestbook upon entry, wear a mask, and observe safe distancing from those outside their household. Thank you for your understanding as we do our best to keep everyone safe and healthy. For those unable to attend, the funeral will be live-streamed at the following web address: http://peacesaginaw.org/watch/
Burial will take place at Holy Cross Lutheran Cemetery, Saginaw.
Memorials in honor of Ken may be made to Peace Lutheran Church Tuition Assistance Fund, care of the church, or to Valley Lutheran High School, 3560 McCarty Road, Saginaw, Michigan 48603.
For information, please call (989) 755-8277. To express condolences, please visit www.fischerfuneral.com.
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Memories
SS
Scott Sayers
Other •
Rest in peace my friend Ken to the family I am very sorry for your loss and praying for you Ken was a great Christian friend of mine
MT
MaryBeth Terhaar
Other •
I came to know Ken when my sister married into the Oppermann family. At family gatherings, Ken was always welcoming and friendly. He always had a steady smile and it was obvious he loved his family.
I am blessed to have known him.
God's peace to you all on the loss of such a wonderful man.heart Mary Beth Terhaar
JB
Jim, Kim & Kenzie Andrews and Sharon Brown
Other •
Jim, Kim & Kenzie Andrews and Sharon Brown purchased the Peace, Prayers & Blessings - Blue and White for the family of Kenneth "Ken" Claus.
RE
Richard & Nadine Engel
Other •
Mr. C was a very special person and phenomenal example of Christian living. My 4th grade teacher, my first coach (basketball) and a dear friend of our family since he started in the teaching ministry. Regular visitors when he and Donna started dating - a perfect couple! We share often of the drive to our hotel after our wedding with all his family family - always a generous and caring person. You are forever in our thoughts and hearts. Well done - good and faithful servant! Heartfelt sympathy to all the family!
BW
Bill Wood
Other •
I have to add one other other memory of Mr. Claus that comes to my mind. I will always remember him as a huge Green Bay Packers fan! Everyone now and then he would call me "Willie Wood" because of his admiration for Willie Wood, the great safety for the Packers! I can still remember him saying that to me and always will!
TW
Tara Weber
Other •
Mr. Claus was a welcoming, warm, kind, gentle, caring, serving, and good-spirited person and I continue to cherish the friendship I shared with his daughter Sara and they both are fondly missed. May God hold his family in His ever loving arms and embrace them during this difficult time. "Well done, faithful servant." In His Love, Tara W