Robert C. Claussen, 78, of Sherrard, Ill., passed away Wednesday, May 1, 2019 at home.

A memorial service will be 6:30 p.m. Thursday, May 9, at Wheelan-Pressly Funeral Home and Crematory, 201 E. 4th Ave., Milan. Visitation will be 4:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to the family to be designated later.

Robert was born December 5, 1940 in Davenport, Iowa, the son of Charles and Helen Troutner Claussen, Jr. He graduated from Davenport High School in 1959. He was married to Diana Lundeen Nelson, from this union they had three daughters, Debbie, Tammy and Missy. He later married Joan Ann Heth.

Robert worked for Bethlehem Steel, and was proud to have worked on the construction of the 2nd of the twin bridges in 1959. He was employed as a punch press operator for John Deere and was a member of U.A.W., Local 434 for 34 years.

He was an accomplished athlete in his school years, where he played football, basketball and track. He then found a love of boxing. He won the 1959 Cedar Rapids Golden Glove Championship. Robert was a longtime member of American Turners, winning multiple awards for track, swimming, diving and gymnastics. He also enjoyed taking care of his animals.

Surviving are his daughters, Debbie (Brad) Snell, Sherrard, Ill., Tammy (Don) Diamond, Cambridge, Ill., and Missy (Don) Lindholm, Moline, Ill.; eleven grandchildren; fifteen great grandchildren; one great-great granddaughter; sisters, Dixie (Bill) DaRoza, Massachusetts, and Rita Claussen, Kansas; several nieces, nephews, additional family and friends.

Robert was preceded in death by his father, mother, and stepmother, Betty Miller Claussen.