Obituary for Susan Grace Clausen

Graveside services for Susan Grace Tramp (Hall) Clausen, 68 of Giddings, Texas will be held at St. Paul Lutheran Cemetery in Serbin, Texas on Sunday, January 16, 2022 with Pastor John Schmidt officiating.

Susan Grace Clausen was born January 21, 1953 in Austin, Texas, the daughter of Alfred Oscar and Mildred Grace (Creel) Tramp. She was baptized on February 20, 1966 and confirmed on May 14, 1967 at Ascension Lutheran Church in Austin, Texas by Rev. David Sieberg. Her confirmation verse is John 19:25-26 “Now there stood by the cross of Jesus his mother, and his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Cleophas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus therefore saw his mother, and the disciple standing by, whom he loved, he saith unto his mother, Woman, behold thy son!”

Susan was qualified for and was invited to join Mensa, but never did. Susan graduated from McCallum High School in Austin in 1971. Susan attended Baylor University in Waco, Texas and completed her bachelor’s degree in 1976 and her master’s degree in 1991 at Southwest Texas State, now Texas State University in San Marcos, Texas. She began her teaching career at Bastrop ISD in Bastrop, Texas (1979-1986) followed by Austin ISD in Austin where she was an elementary teacher for 12 years, and an elementary school counselor for 10 years (1988-2010) and retired in 2010 with 32 years. During this time, Susan also became a Licensed Professional Counselor and a Registered Play Therapist. In 2012, Susan began working for IRS as a Tax Examiner in Austin and retired in 2021.

Susan married Stephen “Steve” Wayne Clausen on November 7, 2009 in Bastrop County on their ranch – DreamWeaver Ranch. Stephen was her soul mate and best friend until his death on August 13, 2018. She missed him every day thereafter and looked forward to seeing him again.

Susan led an interesting and diversified life. From 1976-1992, Susan owned, bred, and showed Bernese Mountain Dogs. During this time, Susan bred 44 champions and had 7 Nationally ranked Berners under the kennel name “Trilogy” for the tri-color Bernes.

Susan began running in 1991 and placed in her age groups many times and even won a few age groups. In 1994, Susan got Thyroid cancer which caused her to gain weight and prevented her from running. Susan often said, if you must have a cancer, thyroid cancer is the one to get! Prior to this, Susan completed one marathon, 3 half-marathons, many other odd distances including 30Ks and too many 5Ks and 10Ks to count. She also completed 4 sprint distance triathlons. When the weight gain prevented Susan from running, she began road biking. In addition to the recreational aspect, Susan completed 3 metric century bike rides.

Susan, with Stephen, began raising donkeys when they bought their ranch in 2008. Shortly thereafter, they began raising registered longhorns. They named their ranch DreamWeaver (163 acres) because they “weaved their two dreams together” in this venture. Upon Stephen’s death, the ranch was home to 71 longhorns and 26 donkeys.

Susan passed away the evening of Monday, January 10, 2022 at her home in Giddings.

Susan was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Stephen Clausen; her parents, Alfred and Grace Tramp, and her brother, William “Bill” Alfred Tramp.

Susan is survived by her son, John Clausen of Houston; daughter, Rebecca and Nicolas Ramirez of San Antonio; two grandchildren, Xavier Ramirez of San Antonio, and Liliana Ramirez of San Antonio; father-in-law, Vernon Clausen of San Antonio; brother-in-law, Marty and Laura Clausen of Georgia; sister-in-law, Virginia and Steve Morgan of California, as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family.

Memorials may be made to Lee County First Responders or the charity of one’s choice.