Jerold R. "Jerry" Clausius, CMSgt, USAF, retired, age 80, of O'Fallon, born April 10, 1942 in Milwaukee, Wisc. to Russell and Gerda, nee Wolnik, Clausius, died January 4, 2023 at Mercy Rehab Center Swansea, Ill., with family at his side.

Jerry grew up in Hales Corners, Wisc., where he attended Union Grove High School and played on the football team. Upon graduation in 1960, he enlisted and served in the Air Force for 27 years. His two most memorable assignments were serving with the 1st Helicopter Squadron at Andrews AFB providing air support to high-ranking Executive Branch members, dignitaries, military leaders, and other VIPs. In Vietnam, he was a flight engineer/crew-chief providing airdrops of equipment, personnel, and pararescue for downed aircrew, earning his entire crew the Distinguished Flying Cross. Upon retirement, he returned to Scott AFB as a civilian for another 26 years. Jerry was an avid motorcyclist and had enjoyed hunting and fishing. He was a member of the American Legion Post 137, and the O'Fallon Sportsmen's Club. Most recently, Jerry had been in the process of restoring his 1964 Corvair.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Charles (Chuck), son David Scott, and wife Jean Roney LaMaster Clausius.

He is survived by his fiancée, Kathy DeSpain-Rogers of O'Fallon; his daughter Holly (Michael) Cullum; five grandsons: John (Amador) and Daniel LaMaster of O'Fallon, Patrick (Alexis), Drew (Mackenzie), and Nikolas Silva, all of Memphis, Tenn., his brother Dr. Michael (Joyce) Clausius of Franklin, Wisc., and his sister Patricia Sadowski of Neilsville, Wisc.

Memorial donations are requested to be made to Hospice of Southern Illinois or Wounded Warriors. Sign the guestbook at www.wfh-ofallon.com .

Visitation will be 5 – 8 pm, Monday, January 9, 2023 at Wolfersberger Funeral Home, O'Fallon.

Funeral Service will be 10 am, Tuesday, January 10, 2023 at Blessed Savior Lutheran Church, 1205 N. Lincoln Ave., O'Fallon, Ill., with Pastor Vern Lintvedt officiating. Military honors will be rendered. Burial will be in Elroy Cemetery, Elroy, Wisc.