Ray was born March 21, 1936 in Jordan, Montana, the youngest of four children, to Axel and Coralynn Clauson. He went to grade school in Cohagen and high school in Jordan, graduating in 1953.
Ray often said how thankful he was to be born an American, in eastern Montana, and into such a great family.
After high school he worked on the family ranch off and on at the Art Larson Ranch and the Ralph McWilliams Farm as well as a John Deere mechanic for Miles & Ulmer in Miles City.
He joined the Army in Feb. 1958 and spent most of the time in Germany where he was awarded a commendation medal for “meritorious service as a facilities control noncommissioned officer” from May 1959 to Feb 1960.
After his military service he returned to the family ranch at Cohagen and in 1961 married Sheri Mackin. They moved to Miles City in 1964 and began a building business that lasted forty years, retiring in 2004.
Country music was very important to him, playing lead guitar for the Clarence Cridland band for many years as well as various other groups – the last several years at rest homes around Miles City with sister, Hazel Stabler and friend, Jim Howe.
Ray is survived by his wife Sheri; daughter, Tami (Don) Rogers; son Kelly (Alexa) and his sons Josh and Jake, son Troy (Julie) and their son Jordan; sister, Hazel Stabler; brother Nick (Betty) Clauson and sister-in-law, Phyllis Clauson.
Preceding him in death were his parents and his brother Bill Clauson.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Ray’s name to the Parkinson’s Disease Research Foundation.
A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, February 6th, 2023, at Grace Bible Church in Miles City. Interment with Full Military Honors will follow at the family lot of Custer County Cemetery.
Bill and Sharon Oftedal says
Ray was the absolute BEST, and it’s hard to see this, even if we know he’s in a better place. Having him working on a project in our home was always a pleasure, and he left us with an improvement to be proud of– every time. Plus it was fun to have him and his crew around !
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Clauson Family.
Kyle and Gail Sahw says
I enjoyed playing music with him for several years. He was one of the “greats” in my book. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Terry becker and wilma says
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the clauson family,we will miss ray, and his smiling face,sherry ,you are always in our thoughts.he brings many years of construction trade to mind.always a pleasure to work with him on our jobs. May the lord bless you and the family.
Emmett LaBree says
Started playing music with him about 30 years ago. Also recorded CD”s with him. He was very particuler and good at it. Proud to have him as a friend.
Maureen Larson says
Dear Shari and all the Clauson family –
I have such good memories of Ray beginning with my years at Cohagen, then teaching my brother to play the guitar, and dancing to the Cridland Trio music at country dances. Ray was such a wonderful musician, carpenter and a humble man. I will treasure my memories and my heart and prayers go out to all of you. God bless.
Marcy says
Sheri, Tami, Kelly, and Troy, I am so sorry! He’s such an awesome man! He’s smiling and laughing with Dad and Uncle Bill, reunited with Grandpa and Grandma. You’re all in my thoughts and prayers. I love you!
Butch and Julie Krutzfeldt says
Such a nice and talented man. Our deepest sympathy to all.
Burch Palmer says
So long old friend. I’ll see you on the band stand in the sky. Burch
Doug and Lucy Benge says
Shari: So sorry to learn of Ray’s passing. He was one of the finest gentlemen I’ve ever known. He was a super craftsman as a builder, an exceptional musician, just an all around good guy in all aspects. He will be missed. Best wishes.
Dorcas says
My heart hurts for you, Ray was a true friend to all that he met !I’ll always remember the times we spent together ! My prayers are with all the Clauson family!! Know that he was loved by so many!
Martha Crandall says
My sympathy
Voni & Scott Tally says
We are so sorry for your loss. To put it very simply Ray was a great guy! Prayers for all of you.
Muriel Selk says
So sorry to see this Hazel. Will keep you and all your families in my prayers.
Jr and Myrna Perkins says
Our sincere sympathy to Shari and the Clausen family. Ray was a great person, a friend for many years, we always enjoyed his musical talent, too. May he rest in peace.
Mark & Donna Sindelar says
Shari & family, we are so saddened to read this. Don’t know what we would have done without you two when Mark’s parents died – we really appreciated all the help you gave us. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you – hoping good memories help ease your pain. With love & deepest sympathy.
Karen Barnes says
Sheri and all of Ray’s family – My heart hurts for all of you at this time for your loss. Ray was a friend from way back in our high school days and was such a kind, fair man. Loved his music and loved all the dancing that went with it. He was such a talented carpenter and house builder also. He will be missed by everyone who knew him. May all the wonderful memories comfort you in your loss. God Bless all.
Meredith and Dennis says
To all of Ray’s families, our prayers are with each of you. Ray was such a talented person, great guitarist and teacher and builder. Cherish your memories. Love to you all
Helen Johnsen Deines says
So sorry to hear this
Laura & Cliff Monasmith says
Ray was a good friend and fellow musician. A kinder soul is not known. He will be missed.
Brett Tally says
Ray was such a stand up guy. I always appreciated how he gave young man like me a opportunity and his loyalty He was a man of his word. Ray was one of the most respected men that I know. Just a great guy. God bless Ray and his family
Ed & Cindy Hulse says
So sorry to hear of Ray’s passing. Worked with him on many jobs. He was always great to be around.
Myrna Stone says
Sheri, I was saddened to hear about Ray’s passing. I loved listening to him play his guitar. Coming from the same community I have known him for many years. He did carpentry work for me and I love to tell people that Ray did that job. Such a gentle soul. My thoughts and prayers for you and your family.
Mike & Judy Toennis Family says
Our thoughts and prayers are with your families.
Cherish your memories!
Richard McRae says
My condolences-always a friendly wave from Ray, should have known he was from up north.
Paul Nelson says
Sorry for your loss
Lynn and Judy Strobel says
Sheri and family, Our thoughts and prayers to you in this time of your loss. We truly appreciated Ray and his attention to our wishes as he built our house. We enjoyed the many dances we were able to go to where he was playing with Clarence Cridland and admired his musical ability. (I always wished I could play guitar just half as good as he could). What a talented guy and just an all around nice man. May God comfort you.
Marty and Jeanette O'Dea says
Our deepest sympathy at your loss, you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Doug and Teri Zook says
We loved Ray Clauson ~ for many reasons, including his quiet demeanor, sweet smile, and music ability. He was married to Doug’s cousin Sheri, and any Clauson was a blessing to the cousins and all the family.
From Doug personally: “I always enjoyed Ray ~ What a nice guy, and his dry sense of humor was always appreciated. Visiting with him last September at a Cousins’ luncheon in Miles City I jokingly asked him how he liked driving in Denver (where they were living at that time). He replied: “Fine, they get out of my way.” LOL
I have always LOVED his music ~ Have many of his CD’s ~ and he was a fantastic guitar man. I listen to his CD’s in the car (very loudly).” Rest in Peace, Ray ~ I hope you get to see the Face of Jesus!
Melanee (Barnes) & David Lewis says
Sheri, Tami, Kelly, Troy and Family-
So sorry to hear about Ray’s death. You are all in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Sure look forward to the time when 1 Cor. 15:26 is fulfilled-“The last enemy, death, is to be brought to nothing.”
It’s definitely true that death is an enemy. It’s never easy to say goodbye. May your wonderful memories sustain you through the difficult days ahead. Love you all!
Patti (Green) Ireland says
Another one of the “old-time” country musicians gone. My condolences to Ray’s entire family.
Wes Wes Malenovsky says
WE WILL MISS YOU. REST IN PEACE MAGIC
Deb Singleton says
Sheri and family, so sorry to hear this news. I always enjoyed being around Ray, especially when the family got together and played music! I will also be forever grateful that he helped me with the blueprints of our home. Ray was always a blessing to those around him. Hugs and prayers to everyone.
Charl (Swenson) Sanchez says
Growing up in MC I always enjoyed spending time in the Clauson home. I was in awe of the house Ray built up on the bluff above the Yellowstone River. The sunrises viewed from the decks were amazing! What I remember about Ray was the absolute twinkle in his eyes when he’d smile. You could see the mischievous boy behind the responsible man. I know my Mom sure appreciated the live music when they’d come to HREC as she mentioned it several times in her last years. What a gift to others.
Tami, Sheri, Kelly, Troy, I’ll be with you all in prayer and thought Monday as you honor and lay him to rest.
Valerie Thome says
Valerie (Stone) and Brian Thome
Very sorry to hear that Ray passed away. Our deepest sympathy to Sheri, Tami, Kelly and Troy.
Jim and Annalise Willson says
We are sorry to hear about Ray. What a great Musician. Annalise and i have danced a million miles to his music with the “Cridland Trio” I remember the first time i met Ray, I was staying with Dou7g Zook at Cohagen in 1965 and Ray brought some cows to the Rodeo so Doug and I could try and ride them. what a fun guy. REST IN PEACE RAY
Jim and Annalise (Haglof) Willson