Feb. 13, 2026: After 25 years of service, Lakewood celebrates the remarkable career of Dr. Jonathan Claussen, whose dedication to patients, colleagues, and community has left a lasting impression.
Dr. Claussen is retiring from Lakewood on Feb. 13.
Career shaped by growth and resilience
Dr. Claussen’s tenure at Lakewood spans a period of transformation, from the “old hospital” to the state-of-the-art facility patients know today.
“I started at the old hospital, covering full weekends … 48 hours of call,” he said, adding, “Things were smaller and slower then.”
Over the years, he witnessed and contributed to Lakewood’s evolution, including several expansions and the addition of specialized services.
“My practice spanned an incredible period of growth with the new hospital, many expansions, and now the cancer center,” he said. “While I hope we never lose that small-town feel, I am proud of the growth and expanded services we can offer our patients.”
Among the many defining moments of his career, one stands above the rest.
“Although it might be a memory we would like to forget, we will all be telling our grandkids about the COVID pandemic,” Dr. Claussen said. “It was the hardest, but easily the most memorable experience in my career. It was a testament to the resiliency of humanity, and how we as a medical community rallied and never quit.”
Dr. Claussen, 2006.
A call to rural medicine
Long before joining Lakewood, Dr. Claussen knew the path he wanted to follow.
“I had always envisioned myself as a small-town, rural doctor,” he said. “Family Medicine is the best of all specialties because you are invited into the lives of local families, sharing in their sorrows and joys. What a privilege.”
He credits his inspiration to both a beloved TV character and a family role model.
“I was probably initially inspired by Doc Baker from ‘Little House on the Prairie’,” he laughed. “But my main inspiration was my big brother, Mark, a general surgeon in Bemidji, who continues to demonstrate the love for and compassion found in medicine.”
Roughly a decade ago, Dr. Claussen transitioned exclusively to emergency medicine. He said it was a move that aligned perfectly with his strengths.
“The pace and unpredictability suited me. And the shift work allowed time to travel as I began ministry and public speaking.”
Dr. Claussen and his family, 2012.
Balance through family and faith
Balancing a demanding medical career with family life, marathon running, and ministry required strong support from work and family.
“When you are surrounded by people who believe in you and cheer you on, you can accomplish anything,” he said.
He credits his wife, children, parents, friends, and colleagues for sustaining him throughout his career.
“I’ve tried to be obedient to the Lord’s call in my life,” he shared. “What He calls me to, He gives me the grace and ability to do.”
That same sense of purpose guided the creation of goFam Ministries, a nonprofit organization Dr. Claussen continues to lead.
“goFam Ministries exists to strengthen, equip, train, and bring healing to families, marriages, and parents. We travel around the world delivering resources, encouragement, and inspirational teaching,” he explained.
A legacy of compassion
For Dr. Claussen, medicine has always been about more than clinical care.
“Family medicine gave me front-row seats into the lives of local families,” he said. “I learned about their struggles, barriers, and the things they cherish most.”
At its heart, he says, medicine is rooted in compassion.
“Every human being needs love, care, and belonging. When we serve our patients from that heart, we demonstrate the heart of God. That is a high calling.”
Dr. Hudalla wishing his colleague all the best on his last day in ED.
Reflections from a colleague
Few have witnessed Dr. Claussen’s career as closely as Dr. Michael Hudalla, who has known him since 2000.
“Dr. Claussen is one of the most efficient and prudent physicians I have ever known or worked with,” said Dr. Hudalla.
He highlighted the breadth of Dr. Claussen’s contributions across departments and care settings.
“He practiced full-spectrum family medicine for the first two-thirds of his career, including hospital care, OB, and care center rounds. Over the past several years, he has exclusively worked nights in the Emergency Department and covering the hospital.”
Beyond his clinical expertise, colleagues consistently point to Dr. Claussen’s upbeat demeanor.
“He is well-known for always having a smile on his face and an infectiously positive attitude,” Dr. Hudalla shared. “He is very kind and compassionate. He has saved and enriched many lives over the years.”
New adventures ahead
While Dr. Claussen is retiring from Lakewood, he emphasizes that he is not slowing down.
“I am retiring from Lakewood, but hardly retiring,” he said brightly. “We will continue to grow goFam Ministries while also pursuing a new adventure.”
That new adventure includes running for the Minnesota House of Representatives.
COO Missy Lindow extends her gratitude and appreciation to Dr. Claussen.
“My decision to run for office is in no way disconnected from my time as a physician,” he explained. “I look forward to the opportunity to continue serving my community.”
Lakewood extends its gratitude to Dr. Claussen for his 25 years of dedicated service, outstanding patient care, and his impact on our Lakewood community.