John Clouse

VISITATION
Tuesday, August 25, 2026
4:00 - 7:00 PM
Geelan Funeral Home
Spencer, Iowa

SERVICE
Wednesday, August 26, 2026
10:00 AM
Grace Lutheran Church
Spirit Lake, Iowa

CLERGY
Rev. Jami Goetz

John Theodore Clouse, son of Ted and Sally (Elliott) Clouse, was born on January 30, 1958, in Newton, Iowa. He attended middle school in Spirit Lake and graduated from Emmetsburg High School, where he enjoyed playing football and helped lead his team to the state finals against Urbandale in his senior year. He continued his education at Iowa Lakes Community College and Northwest Missouri State University, earning a bachelor's degree in art education. During his college years, he shared his love of music by playing trumpet in the jazz band and marching band.

John began his teaching career in Ruthven in the fall of 1982, initially working part time before the position became full-time the following year. He went on to devote nearly 40 years to teaching art to students of all ages at Ruthven-Ayrshire. For John, teaching was much more than a career, it was an opportunity to encourage creativity, inspire his students, and make a lasting impact on multiple generations of young people. He also served as the yearbook sponsor for many of those 39 years, sharing his dedication beyond the art classroom.

On August 18, 1979, John married Rosemary Eide at First Christian Church in Estherville, Iowa. They were blessed with two children. Together, they built a life centered around family, community, creativity, and the many activities they enjoyed together. John was a member of Grace Lutheran Church in Spirit Lake.

He was deeply involved in the Ruthven community in many ways. He was a member of the Freedom Rock Committee and was always willing to put his creativity, talents, and hard work toward projects he believed in. He also shared his artistic talents for the community in many ways by promoting Bully Bullhead Weekend through his t-shirt designs, float creations, and the famous Bully Bullhead weather pointer that was used on KCAU. A lifelong creative individual, John was constantly making, building, designing, or tinkering on some project that he found interesting. He enjoyed creating things for family and friends and was involved with projects such as the famous "Raider Express" bus where his friends and he could travel to and watch the ball games.

Outside of work and community activities, John enjoyed spending time outdoors and all things the Minnesota Vikings. He loved "playing" on the snowmobile and looked forward to annual trips. Some of his favorite trips were to Outing, Minnesota, the Upper Peninsula, or the Black Hills. He also enjoyed boating, especially spending time at Lost Island Lake, where his legendary tube rides were not for the faint at heart. As the kids got older, his boat rides moved up to Okoboji and were more about cruising with Rose instead of trying to make the biggest waves he could on the lake. Camping with his family and going on their yearly summer camping trips was another pastime he greatly enjoyed. John had a passion for collecting antiques, particularly clocks, Volkswagens and convertible cars, lamps and anything interesting to him.

John passed away on Sunday, August 16, 2026, in Rochester, Minnesota, at the age of 68. He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Kristie Clouse; parents-in-laws, Cecil and MaeRose Eide; and brother-in-law, John Eide. He is survived by his wife, Rose Clouse of Spirit Lake; his daughter, Danielle (Will) Gast of Spirit Lake; his son, Eric (Kori) Clouse of Milford; and his grandchildren, Abby and Flynn; sister, Terry Gibson, brother-in-law, Torval (Heide) Eide, Mike (Joann) Eide, along with other extended family, many friends, and former students who will remember his creativity, humor, generosity, and genuine love for the people and communities around him.

John "Mr. Clouse" will be remembered as a talented teacher, creative craftsman, devoted husband and father, proud grandfather, musician, community member, and friend. His influence will live on through the many students he taught, the projects he helped create, and the people whose lives he touched throughout his years in the community.

Arrangements by Geelan Funeral Home