Tractor roll takes life of R. ‘Jim’ Clausen, 73

Robert J. Clausen, 73, retired Rosalia area farmer, died June 24 in a tractor accident east of Rosalia near the intersection of Pandora and Waterman roads. Deputies were called to the scene at 9:40 p.m., but Mr. Clausen is believed to have died several hours before that time, according to a report by Count Coroner Pete Martin.

According to the report by Deputy Sgt. Rick McNannay, Clausen had been spraying weeds along the bank of a creek when the utility tractor he was operating slid off the steep edge of the creek and overturned into the creek. He was pinned underneath the tractor.

Site of the accident was south of the Waterman Road about halfway between its intersections with the Pandora and Fairbanks Roads.

Martin estimated Mr. Clausen died about 4 p.m. when the wheel tractor went over a creek bank which was approximately 10 feet deep. He said Mr. Clausen was crushed by the weight of the field tractor. He said Mr. Clausen, who was known as Jim, was wearing a seatbelt and the tractor was fitted with a roll bar.

He said Mr. Clausen, who retired from farming in 2001, was working for another area farmer who became concerned when Mr. Clausen didn’t return from the field site at the normal time. He later went looking for Mr. Clausen after learning he hadn’t returned home for dinner.

Mr. Clausen was taken to Kramer Funeral Home in Tekoa.

In accordance with his prior wishes, Mr. Clausen was cremated and no memorial service will be conducted.