FRANKLIN GROVE – Merlin K. “Ken” Clausen, 72, of Franklin Grove, died Wednesday, Jan. 11, 2017, at OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center in Rockford.

He was born June 26, 1944, in DeKalb, the son of Merlin W. and Gladys M. (Tucker) Clausen. Ken married Colleen Holland on Oct. 17, 1970, in Franklin Park. Ken was a Master Trooper with Illinois State Police District 15 for 30 years before he retired in 1996. He also owned and operated Downtown Sports in Dixon with his family since 1993. Ken had been very active with Al Morrison Baseball and Dixon Junior Tackle Football. He also was active in FFA in his youth.

He was a veteran of the Army, serving in Vietnam during the war. He was a member of St. Anne Catholic Church, Dixon Knights of Columbus Council 690, Dixon Elks Lodge 779, and F.O.P. Lodge 41.

He is survived by his wife, Colleen; children, Kimberly (Eric) Deery of Dixon, Jeffrey (Erin) Clausen of Atkins, Iowa, and Gregory Clausen of Orlando, Florida; four grandchildren, William, Thomas, Joseph, and Margaret Clausen; one brother, Kurt Clausen of Mendota; and two sisters, Linda Znaniecki of Buda and Sally Clausen of Mauston, Wisconsin.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Jim Clausen.

Visitation will be from 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday at Jones Funeral Home in Dixon. Visitation will also be from 9 to 9:45 a.m. Monday, and Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. Monday at St. Anne Catholic Church in Dixon, with military honors by the Combined Veterans Group. Cremation will follow, with burial of cremains at a later date.

A memorial has been established to Granny Rose Animal Shelter in Dixon.

Visit thejonesfh.com to send condolences.