July 22, 1928 - July 17, 2005

Eleanor Lucille Claussen, 76, died July 17, 2005 at Methodist Hospital in Omaha.  Services were July 21 at United Methodist Church in Decatur.

She was born July 22, 1928, to Guy and Alice (Gray) Mussack in their home in Decatur.  The second of three children and only daughter, Eleanor grew up in a loving family on a farm outside Decatur.  She graduated from Decatur High School in 1946.

She attended Midland Lutheran College in Fremont and graduated in May of 1950 with a bachelor's degree in education.  She taught for two years in Plattsmouth and then returned to Decatur to teach grade school and remedial reading for 25 years, retiring in 1988.  She spent her time in retirement as a Mary Kay consultant.

In 1954, she met Russell Claussen at a dance in Omaha, and they were married December 28, 1955, in the Decatur United Methodist Church.  They moved to town in December 1963 and were the parents of three children.  Her husband died, June 27, 2000, and in 2004, she moved to Marquis Place in Elkhorn.

Mrs. Mussack was a life-long member of the United Methodist Church, an active member of the United Methodist Women, loyal member of the educational sorority Delta Kappa Gamma, and belonged to Eastern Star for many years.  In recent years, she was active in the Red Hat Society.  She was also a beautiful vocalist and pianist.

Preceding her in death were her parents; husband; and brother, Gordon Mussack.

Surviving are a brother and sister -in-law, Paul and Marlene Mussack of Lincoln; sister -in-law, Erma Shawver and husband, Dewey of Lyons; daughter, Kriss Legband, and ex-husband, Mark of Fremont; daughter and son-in-law, Todd and Terri Claussen of Carroll, IA; eight grandchildren, Aaron, Lena, Brian and Jordan Legband, Derek and Courtney Church and Laura and Brett Claussen; nieces and nephews.

Rev. Philip Sloat officiated the rite.  Music was provided  by pianist Cindy Wattier and vocalists, Sue Wortman and Courtney Church.

Casket bearers were grandsons, Honorary Bearers were granddaughters.