
Bruce Clausen, age 61, of Shakopee, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Wednesday, Aug. 13, 2025, at Methodist Hospital in St. Louis Park.
Bruce was born in Shakopee on Nov. 26, 1963 to Clifford and Dorothy (Lindfors) Clausen.
While growing up, Bruce enjoyed hanging out with friends, riding bikes, playing various sports and just being outdoors. In 1977, Bruce’s dad won a boat at Juba’s Grocery Store and the two of them enjoyed many years of fishing. In addition, they always enjoyed a fall deer hunting trip.
Bruce graduated from Shakopee High school in 1982, and Winona State University in 1987. His career path included the YMCA, the Shakopee Community Center and the State of Minnesota Pollution Control Agency. He was well liked by those he worked with, and often took part in creating good laughs and memories.
Bruce and Candi (Henkels) were married on 11/24/2001. He was a devoted husband, dad, and grandpa, and loved his family dearly. Bruce looked forward to annual family fishing trips to the cabin, and family hunting trips to the hunting lodge. These family traditions, as well as day to day activities he did with his children, created many lasting memories.
We remember Bruce as a true friend who was a calm and steady presence for those around him. Bruce was kind and gentle and often put others’ needs before his own. He was a quiet man, yet a strong leader. He was a husband who stayed strong through any storm and brought lots of sunshine. Bruce loved being a dad and spending time with his children. As a grandpa he enjoyed making the grandchildren laugh and enjoyed those naptime cuddles.
We are thankful for our time with Bruce and treasure each memory!
Bruce is survived by his loving wife, Candi; and children, Jack, Anna, Joshua (fiancé Avery Garvey), Clarissa (Nick) Spande, and Sarah (Kevin) Williams; granddaughters, Lillian and Camdyn Spande; and grandbaby Williams on the way; sister, Yvonne (Ritch) Anderson, father-in-law, Charlie (Sue Bastyr) Henkels; sisters-in-law Cami (Craig) Calhoun, Cari (Cory) Boyce, brother-in-law Chris (Rachel) Henkels and many nieces, nephews and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Clifford and Dorothy Clausen; and mother-in-law, Cheri Henkels.
Visitation is Monday, Aug. 18, 2025, from 4 to 7 p.m., at McNearney-Schmidt Funeral and Cremation, 1220 3rd Ave. East, Shakopee. Visitation also Tuesday, Aug. 19, from 10 to 10:45 a.m., followed by Funeral Service at 11 a.m., at St. Michael Catholic Church, 16400 Duluth Ave. SE., Prior Lake. Interment will be at Credit River Cemetery, Prior Lake.
Services were arranged by McNearney – Schmidt Funeral & Cremation, 1220 Third Avenue East, Shakopee.