Albert J. Claussen
Pfc Special Vehicle Operator, 376th Air Service Group, U. S. Army
Time of service: December 26, 1942 - January 8, 1946
Born: August 7, 1922, Manning, IA
Albert was born and educated in Manning, Iowa. His parents were Herman and Anna Diederich Claussen. As a youth, he had a paper route and later worked in his Dad's trucking business, Claussen Transfer. He enlisted in the Army in 1943, with basic training at Miami Beach, FL. His service duty took him to Sidney and Brisbane, Australia, Nazsab, New Guinea, behind enemy lines, Hollandia, Mortai, Philippines and Lesima. He refueled B24, "Jolly Rogers's" airplanes carrying out bombing raids in the Pacific area. He worked on construction of the first landing strips and base camps at Nazsab, New Guinea. Upon returning from service, his family had moved to Winterset. He continued trucking and eventually moved to California to work for National Van Lines. He had his own truck and trailer and traveled the 48 states. He returned to Ankeny to care for his parents in 1961 and farmed in Huxley area. He now lives at Maxwell, Iowa (as of 10/11/2003).
Al was born on August 7, 1922, in Manning, Iowa. He was the oldest son of Herman and Anna (Dietrich) Claussen. After graduating from Manning High School in 1941, Al served 4+ years in the U.S. Army Air Corps, 376th Service Squadron supporting the S.E. Asian Conflict. In 1950, he relocated to California, working in the commercial moving business for Norwalk Transfer and National Van Lines. His greatest love was driving trucks. In 1960, he returned to Iowa to operate his farms at Huxley and Maxwell.
Al is survived by one brother, Edmund (Kathleen) Claussen; step-children John (Elizabeth) Hanvy, Barbara Hanvy (Alexander Bruch); niece and nephews, Steve (Rhonda) Claussen, Ann Claussen (Randy Watler), Paul (Trang) Claussen; and step-granddaughter Sarah Hanvy.
Al was preceded in death by his wife, Nydia.
The family suggests that in lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be directed to Our Lady's Immaculate Heart Catholic Church, VFW, or the charity of their choice in loving memory of Al.
A memorial service will be held at a later date at Our Lady's Immaculate Heart Catholic Church in Ankeny, followed by military honors and interment at Iowa Veterans Cemetery in Adel.