JAMES A. CLAUSSEN, age 79, of Hobart, passed away Sunday, February 13, 2011. James was a lifetime area resident and a former member of Augustana Lutheran Church. He was a graduate of East Gary High School and was a retired self-employed sheet metal worker and a member of Sheet Metal Workers Local #20. Jim will always be remembered for being a loving father and devoted father and grandfather and for the special bond he had with his grandchildren.

James is survived by his 3 children, David (Kimberly) Claussen of Hobart, Diane (Douglas) Cunningham of Interlochen, MI and Daniel (Kelly) Claussen of Union Mills; 11 grandchildren; 5 great grandchildren; 2 brothers, Robert (Ellen) Claussen of Hobart and Roy (Delaine) Claussen of Valparaiso; and other loving family and friends.

James was preceded in death by his wife, Ruth; parents, Hulda and Claude Claussen.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Home Away From Home.

A memorial visitation will be Thursday, February 17, 2011 from 2-8 p.m. at Rees Funeral Home, 600 W. Old Ridge Rd., Hobart. A memorial service will take place on Friday, February 18, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. at Augustana Lutheran Church, 207 Kelly Street, Hobart, with Rev. Charles Strietelmeier officiating. Rees Funeral Homes handling arrangements, (219) 942-2109 or online at www.reesfunerahomes.com.