Sharon Sue Clausen

Sharon Sue Clausen, 81, passed away at home surrounded by the warmth of the family she loved so dearly on October 17, 2026. A funeral service will be held on Friday, October 23, 2026 at 10:30 A.M. with the Pastor Jason Larson officiating. Burial will be at the Holstein Cemetery of Holstein. A time of visitation and celebrating Sharon's life with a luncheon will follow the burial at the Holstein Country Club. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be directed to the family to be divided for the Keenage Woman's Golf Cancer Tournament and the Shriner's Hospital.

Born on June 7, 1945, to Alvin and Carrie Frahm, Sharon grew up with a deep love for her family and community. She graduated from Holstein High School in 1963 and pursued her true passion for styling, graduating from Stewart’s School of Hair Styling in Sioux City, Iowa, in 1964.

On February 1, 1964, Sharon was united in marriage to the love of her life, Joe Clausen. That same year, Joe and Sharon moved to Holstein, where Joe began farming alongside his father and older brother, Jim, and was later joined by his younger brother, Dale. In 1965, they settled southwest of Holstein, where they built a home filled with love, laughter, and hard work, raising their four children: Bobbi Jo, Brenda, Nick, and Billi. In 1996, Sharon and Joe moved into town, continuing to be at the heart of the Holstein community. Fixing hair was Sharon’s genuine passion, but even more than the styling, she cherished the time spent “chirping” and catching up with her clients. She began her beautician career working for her Aunt Dee Frahm at her beauty shop in Holstein and later styled hair at Styles Unlimited starting in 1984. In 1994, she joined the team at 2nd Street Station, where her warm smile and friendly conversation welcomed everyone through the doors.

Sharon was always on the move and lived life with vibrant energy. She shared countless laughs while wallpapering homes with her sister, Jeannie, and in her quieter moments, she loved getting lost in a good book or tackling a Sudoku puzzle. Her kitchen was a hub of comfort and famous for her delicious beer bread, legendary popcorn balls, and the simple joy of gathering people together. Known for her colorful humor, anyone who spent time around Sharon was sure to hear her signature catchphrase, “Cheese & rice!” Sharon had a special glow whenever her entire family was together. Family gatherings were always special and usually included a euchre tournament, good food, lots of laughter, and plenty of pictures. Those times together were some of Sharon’s favorites and created memories her family will always treasure.

An active member of her community, Sharon belonged to Holstein United Methodist Church including the Rebecca Circle and taught Sunday school, member of Cowbells, volunteered for the school “Back-pack” program, enjoyed playing in Keenage golf leagues, frequently hosted card clubs for her close friends, and loved listening to Alabama. She was also a big sports fan and especially enjoyed attending Iowa State and Morningside football games. Above all, Sharon’s favorite role was being her family’s biggest cheerleader; she rarely missed an opportunity to attend her grandchildren’s and great-grandchildren’s sports and extracurricular activities. You could always spot Sharon in the bleachers and definitely hear her shouting “3 seconds!” at basketball games or enthusiastically yelling “Sack the quarterback!” during football games.

Summers were spent on the water, where Sharon and Joe could often be found toodling around on the pontoon with a cocktail at Lake Park, surrounded by family. Sharon lived by a quiet, heartfelt philosophy she once noted: “You have to take the bad with the good.” Her strength, optimism, and unwavering devotion to her family will always be remembered. She showed up for her community and shared her gift of time and money in many ways. She was someone to look up to, someone who loved with her whole heart and lived in service to others.

Sharon was preceded in death by her parents, Alvin and Carrie Frahm, and her brother, Bobby Frahm.

She is survived by her beloved husband of 62 years, Joe Clausen; her four children: Bobbi Clausen (Jeff Nechkash), Brenda (Chuck) Ortner, Nick (Amy) Clausen, and Billi (Chad) Niemeier; her sister, Verla “Jeanne” Clausen; seven grandchildren: Karlen Lamp, Garret (Samantha) Lamp, Maura Ortner, Cale Ortner, Kendal Niemeier, Cora Niemeier, and Rogan Niemeier; and three great-grandchildren: Theodore Lamp, Florence Lamp, and Sullivan Lamp; along with a circle of extended family and dear friends.