Sergeant Dennis M. “Duke”Clasgens
(1945-2026)
Duke was born March 11, 1945 to Arnold and Gertrude (Boehm ) Clasgens. He attended Hughes High School, graduating in 1963, and then Xavier University until June 1965.
From April 1966 to October 1970, he worked at General Electric’s jet engine plant as a dispatcher and scheduler. He then took a position as Transportation Foreman for the Kroger Company until February 1971.
Denny joined the Cincinnati Police Division on February 28, 1971 in its 55th Recruit Class. He was promoted to Patrolman on June 27, 1971, issued Badge 219, and assigned to District 4 (7017 Vine Street). Patrolman Clasgens transferred to District 5 (1012 Ludlow Avenue) on November 4, 1979. He transferred back to District 4 (by then on Reading Road) on June 15, 1980. On July 11, 1984, he was promoted to Police Specialist and issued Badge PS-35. On August 4, 1991, he was promoted to Police Sergeant, issued Badge S-111, and assigned to District 2 (3295 Erie Avenue). Two years later, he transferred to the Court Property Unit. Sergeant Clasgens retired on July 11, 1998 with 27 years of service and 13 letters of appreciation and/or commendation.
Following his retirement, he served for a time with the West Chester Police Department.
Sergeant Clasgens died on June 26, 2026, surrounded by loved ones, in Lebanon, at the age of 81.
He was predeceased by his brother, Ronald Clasgens, and stepson, Todd Whited. Sergeant Clasgens is survived by his wife of 50 years, Helen (Gilpen) Clasgens; children Kim (Joe) Wolking, Keith (Melissa) Clasgens, Daniel (Kelly) Clasgens, and Angela Dawn Clasgens; grandchildren, Audra, Alicia, Christine, Elizabeth, Abigail, Todd, Steven, John, Drew, Riley, and Jessica; and great-grandchildren, Roxy, Ariana, Ryder, and Brady.
A visitation will be held on Thursday, July 2, 2026, from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at Hodapp Funeral Home at 6041 Hamilton Avenue. An FOP service will be held at 10:15 a.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 11:00 a.m. at St. James Church at 3565 Hubble Road in White Oak, immediately followed by burial at the St. James Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to the Fraternal Order of Police, Queen City Lodge #69, 1900 Central Parkway, Cincinnati, OH 45214.
© 2026 – All rights reserved to LT Stephen R. Kramer RET and the Greater Cincinnati Police Museum