Susan J. Clawson

Danville, IL – Susan Jule Clawson, 83, of Danville passed away at 3:58 AM on Friday, October 17, 2025, at Hawthorne Inn of Danville. She was born in Cedar Rapids, IA on February 5, 1942, to Melvin E. and Bessie (Doupnik) Dochterman. She married Frederick Clawson on July 17, 1966. He survives.

She is also survived by a daughter, Tanya (Terry) Leahy of Mt. Juliet, TN and a son, Benjamin (Lisa) Clawson of Bloomington, IL; a niece, Becky (Tim) Hautzinger and nephews, Steve K. (Linda) Downey, Doug Downey, and Jeff (Cteii) Downey; as well as a great nephew and four great nieces.

She was preceded in death by her parents; a sister, Mary Joyce (Fred) Downey; and step-nephew, Steven J. (Peg) Downey.

Susan graduated from Washington Senior High School in Cedar Rapids in 1959 and St. Mary-of-the-Woods College in Terre Haute, IN. Prior to moving to Indiana in 1967, she was assistant manager of AAA World-wide Travel Service in Cedar Rapids. Susan was self-employed as a tax preparer for 14 years, and later she and her husband were tax professionals with H&R Block in Veedersburg, IN. Susan and Fred were also self-employed as ballroom dance instructors throughout west-central Indiana for over 15 years. Susan enjoyed ballroom dancing and travel, as well as being with her family, friends, and her “grand-dogs.”

Per her wishes, cremation rites will be accorded. A celebration of her life will be held at 11:30am CT Sunday, November 16 at Turtle Run Banquet Center, 332 E. Liberty Ln, Danville, IL 61832. There will be memories, photos, music, and light hors d’oeuvres. Burial will take place at a later date at Danville National Cemetery, Danville, Illinois. Arrangements have been entrusted to Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center, 3940 N. Vermilion St. Danville, IL 61834.

The family would like to thank Hawthorn Inn Manor Court and Traditions Hospice for their care, compassion, and comfort during her final days.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to be made to the National Czech and Slovak Museum and Library, 1400 Inspiration Pl SW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52404, American Breast Cancer Foundation, 10440 Little Patuxent Pkwy, Suite 300, Columbia Md, 21044, or to Cure Alzheimer’s (CureAlz.org) 34 Washington St, Suite 230, Wellesley Hills, MA 02481, or to the charity of your choice.

Please join Susan’s family in sharing memories, photos, and video of her life through her tribute wall at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com.