Lori Jean (Beguhl) Claussen

Lori Jean (Beguhl) Claussen, age 60, of Richland, MI, passed away peacefully in her home on Thursday, August 7, 2025, surrounded by her loving family, after a courageous five-year battle with pancreatic cancer. Lori was born on March 20, 1965, in Wessington Springs, SD. She moved to the Kalamazoo area in 1988 where she pursued her passion for music and earned a Master’s Degree in Vocal Performance from Western Michigan University. On August 4, 1990, Lori married the love of her life, Stephen P. Claussen. They recently celebrated 35 wonderful years of marriage.

Lori dedicated much of her life to music and education. She taught in the music department at Kalamazoo Valley Community College for over 30 years, was a longtime member of both the Kalamazoo Singers and the Bach Festival Choir and served on the Worship Arts staff at both Kalamazoo Free Methodist Church and gracespring Bible Church. She also gave generously of her time and talent as a private teacher, offering vocal and piano lessons from her home to many students over the years.

Deeply committed to her faith, Lori loved Jesus with every fiber of her being and never doubted His goodness in her life. She had a profound love and care for people and was passionate about helping others come to know Jesus personally. Lori often asked, “I wonder who Jesus will put in front of me today?”. She was a devoted student of God’s Word and consistently encouraged those around her to love the Lord deeply and seek His presence wholeheartedly.

Lori loved traveling with family and friends, planting in her flower gardens, savoring a good cup of coffee, and working on puzzles. She also never missed the chance to chase a great fireworks show—even if it meant driving for hours to see it.

Lori was preceded in death by her parents, Dean and Norma (Smith) Beguhl, who both passed away in 2015 from pancreatic cancer. Dean and Norma also served as assistants at Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home–Richland Chapel. She is survived by her husband Steve, son, Aaron Dean Claussen of Richland, daughter, Keziah “Kezi” Jean and husband Preston Hoxworth of Battle Creek, MI; and two brothers, Peter J. Beguhl of Kalamazoo and Kenneth L. Beguhl of North Chili, NY.

A memorial service to celebrate Lori’s life will be held on Friday, September 5th at 7:00pm at gracespring Bible Church, 8463 Gull Road, Richland, MI 49083, with Pastor Bryan Tema officiating. Visitation with family will be from 5:00pm to 6:30pm. Everyone is invited to bring lawn chairs, as immediately following the service there will be a fireworks display in Lori’s honor. A private family interment will take place at Prairie Home Cemetery in Richland. Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Cremation Preneed Care is assisting Lori’s family. Personal messages for the family may be placed at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Lori’s honor may be directed to pancreatic cancer research by Dr. Vaibhav Sahai, who cared for Lori throughout her entire five-year journey, at the University of Michigan Rogel Cancer Center. https://giving.umich.edu/basket/fund/325608