Jesse John Clausen, 75, Ret. CMSgt, USAF, of Mascoutah, IL, born on September 24, 1949, in Glendale, CA, passed away on May 2, 2025, in Shiloh, IL.
Jesse is survived by his loving wife of 31 years, Colleen “LaVonne” Clausen (nee Cretteur) of Mascoutah, IL; his children, Carrie (Stan) Rogers of Spring Garden, AL, Jesse “JR”, (Gigi) Clausen of Piedmont, AL, Jackie (Chris) Pizzo of O’Fallon, IL, and Mike (Krissi) Mansholt of Soddy Daisy, TN; his grandchildren, Callie (Dustin) Formby, Race (Emily) Clausen, Michaela Mansholt, James Isaac Rogers, Nick Mansholt, Chloe Clausen, Emma-Jane (Austin) Duncan, Dominick Clausen, Brianna Pizzo, Sophie Clausen, Brayden Mansholt, Bo Clausen, Luke Clausen, and Adalyn Mansholt; his great-grandchildren, Laken Formby and Fisher Formby; sister, Shela Bernard; brothers Jarius Clausen, Mark Clausen, and Karn Clausen, in addition to many dear nieces and nephews. Jesse is preceded in death by his parents, Samuel and Marguerite “Bitzi” Clausen (nee McCaulou), and his brother, Rodger Vezina Clausen.
Jesse graduated summa cum laude from Embry Riddle at Fort Walton in 1985 with a Bachelor of Science in Aeronautical Engineering.
Jesse, serving 25 years, had a long, well-recognized career with the United States Air Force—he entered military service in 1968 and upon completing his U.S. Air Force basic training, he attended Aircraft Loadmaster training, graduating in December of 1968. He then went on to C-130 qualification training and his first operational assignment was in Little Rock, AR.
Jesse was trained in all areas of Tactical Airlift and Airdrop and quickly attained instructor status and was transferred to CCK Air Base in Taiwan, where he flew combat missions in support of operations throughout southeast Asia, specifically Vietnam. Jesse excelled in this tactical environment and during his combat tour, he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross with 3 devices, Air Medal with 5 devices, an Armed Forces Expedition Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with device, and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal.
Upon his return to the U.S., he was stationed at Travis Air Force Base in California where he converted to C-5 aircraft and from there, flew worldwide in airlift missions moving oversized cargo in support of all branches of the U.S. military. He then returned overseas and back to C-130s, serving at Rhein Main Air Force Base in Germany, where his tour took him throughout Europe, southwest Asia, and Africa, in support of U.S. troops stationed there and deployed further abroad. Jesse also served in Desert Shield/Storm. Upon returning stateside, he was stationed at Pope Air Force Base and later was stationed at Scott Air Force Base where he retired.
Jesse was an animal lover, active with local dog rescue efforts and had two adopted dogs of his own. He and his wife spent their winters, as well as several weeks every summer, traveling around the country in their mobile home. Jesse loved Alabama Crimson Tide football and owned a great deal of “Roll Tide” clothing and memorabilia. He was kind and neighborly to everyone, always putting others before himself, and he was fiercely loyal to his family and friends.
We would like to extend our deepest gratitude to the ICU nurses at BJC Shiloh. The nurses went above and beyond for Jesse and his family.
Memorial donations may be made in Jesse’s name to Once Upon A Prayer Rescue, 970 Old Vincennes Trail, O’Fallon, IL 62269.
Condolences may be extended to the family online at www.schildknechtfh.com.
A committal service and subsequent burial will take place at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery at a later date.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Schildknecht Funeral Home.
