McGregor Handyman and WWII Vet Passes Away at 85

John Henry Clasen Sr., an 85-year-old US Navy veteran and former Honeywell inspector, passed away on August 18, 2026. He was born on March 25, 1941, in Brainerd to Winfried Carl and Miriam Alice (Wygaard) Clasen.

After serving in the Navy from 1959 to 1961, John worked as an inspector for Honeywell before owning several tanning salons in the Twin Cities area. He retired to McGregor, where he became known as a local handyman and helped those in need.

John's passions included Harley-Davidson Motorcycles, Corvettes, his Model A Truck, and working with his Bobcat-backhoe. He was also proud of his children, grandchildren, and extended family, and loved to 'flirt innocently' with the ladies he met during his day.