SPIRIT LAKE — John Theodore Clouse, 68, of Spirit Lake and formerly of Ruthven, died Sunday, August 16, 2026, in Rochester, Minnesota, leaving behind a legacy built through nearly four decades of teaching, creativity and service to his community.
Funeral arrangements and service details are currently pending through Geelan Funeral Home. A burial or final resting place has not yet been announced.
John was born January 30, 1958, in Newton, Iowa, to Ted and Sally Elliott Clouse. He spent part of his school years in Spirit Lake before graduating from Emmetsburg High School, where football was an important part of his high school experience and his team reached the state finals during 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. Music was another of his talents, and during college he played trumpet in jazz and marching bands.
John began teaching in Ruthven in 1982 and ultimately devoted 39 years to Ruthven-Ayrshire students. Generations of young people came through his art classroom, where he encouraged creativity and helped students discover their own abilities. He also spent many years serving as the school’s yearbook sponsor.
On August 18, 1979, John married Rosemary Eide at First Christian Church in Estherville. The couple raised two children and built a life filled with family, community activities and shared adventures. John was also a member of Grace Lutheran Church in Spirit Lake.
His creativity extended well beyond the classroom. John was active in Ruthven community projects, including service on the Freedom Rock Committee. He helped promote the community’s Bully Bullhead Weekend through artwork, T-shirt designs, floats and the memorable Bully Bullhead weather pointer used by KCAU television.
John seemed happiest when he had something to design, build, repair or reimagine. One of the more memorable creations involving John and his friends was the “Raider Express” bus they used to travel to sporting events.
He also enjoyed the outdoors, snowmobiling trips, boating and camping with his family. Favorite destinations included Minnesota, Michigan’s Upper Peninsula and the Black Hills. Lost Island Lake and later the Okoboji area provided plenty of boating memories, while annual family camping trips became another tradition.
John was an enthusiastic Minnesota Vikings fan and an avid collector whose interests included antique clocks, Volkswagens, convertibles, lamps and other unusual items that caught his attention.
John is survived by his wife, Rose Clouse of Spirit Lake; daughter Danielle and her husband Will Gast of Spirit Lake; son Eric and his wife Kori Clouse of Milford; grandchildren Abby and Flynn; his sister, Terry Gibson; brothers-in-law Torval Eide and wife Heide and Mike Eide and wife JoAnn; along with extended family members, friends and generations of former students.
He was preceded in death by his parents; sister Kristie Clouse; parents-in-law Cecil and MaeRose Eide; and brother-in-law John Eide.
For those who knew him as “Mr. Clouse,” his influence can still be seen in the students he encouraged, the community projects that benefited from his imagination and the family and friends with whom he shared his humor, generosity and creative spirit.
Geelan Funeral Home is handling arrangements. To read more and see the full obituary, please click here.
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