Steven Edward Clausen, 61

Lifelong Alaskan, Steven Edward Clausen, 61, died at home peacefully of liver cancer on December 4, 2012, surrounded by family. 

Steve was born in Petersburg on September 9, 1951 to Phillip and Darlene Clausen. He was the first of three, followed by his brother Terry, and his sister, Joni. He attended Petersburg High School, and graduated in 1969.

Steve was a third generation fisherman and a lifelong mariner. As a child in Petersburg, Steve loved the outdoors and learned to fish at an early age on the family boat, the F/V Joanna, with his entire family. He began his commercial fishing career at the age of 14 on a salmon seiner in Southeast Alaska. Over the next 30 years, he fished commercially for King and tanner crab, tendered, and became a fish buyer. He also captained the fishing vessels Rosalie and Cypress, along with family boats, Cydonia and Decorah. 

In 1985 Steve moved to Seward with his family to attend AVTEC, where his schooling included diesel mechanics, welding, and maritime courses. After obtaining his USCG license he worked for Renown Tours as a tour boat captain in Resurrection Bay and later worked on tugs and barges until October 2012. 

He was a valued friend, coworker, and was always ready to lend a helping hand or listen when needed. He adored music and books and had a wonderful sense of humor.  

He was preceded in death by his father, Phil; mother, Darline; and sister, Joni.

Steve is survived by his wife of 33 years, Beverly; and their children, son Michael (Diana); daughter Carol (Jimmy) Conant; daughters, Stephanie, Anna and Holly; son James; niece Elen and her children, Ethan and Natalee; brother, Terry (Leticia) and their son Eric and daughters Alejandra, Amelia, and Sara; and grandchildren, Ridge, Elsie and Robert.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Steve’s memory to the Seward Church of the Nazarene, Building Fund or World Missions, PO Box 616 Seward, AK 99664. Visit Steve’s obituary and online guestbook at http://www.AlaskanFuneral.com

Services were held December 8, 2012 in Seward.