He was born March 7, 1938 at Russell, the son of Martin and Agnes Salber Claussen.

Charles was married to Peggy Maxine Fuller, August 21, 1972, at Russell. She also died in the same accident.

He lived much of his early life in Colorado where he graduated from high school. He has lived in Russell from the late 1960's to the present time. He worked as an auto mechanic for many years.

Charles was a U.S. Army veteran.
He was preceded in death by: his parents; and his wife.

Survivors include: two daughters Susan Wolfe, Hays, and Tammy Mitchell, Russell; two brothers, Gail Claussen, Yoder, Colorado and Gerald Claussen, Kansas City; and four grandchildren.

A graveside service was held at 3 p.m. Tuesday, December 18, at Hillcrest Cemetery, Great Bend, with Rev. Glenn Tombaugh officiating. It was a closed casket service.

Memorials are suggested to the Foundation for the Visually Impaired in care of the mortuary.
Pohlman's Mortuary, Russell, was in charge of arrangements.