Donald Rausch

Donald William Rausch, age 75, of Crosslake formerly of Sleepy Eye and wintering in Arkansas, died July 30, 2003 at the St. Joseph?s Medical Center in Brainerd. Donald was born May 23, 1928 in Milwaukee, WI son of Matthew A. and Edna (Eahler) Rausch. He graduated from Loyola High School in Mankato. He was in the Navy V5 program at St. Thomas College. Following his honorable discharge he was united in marriage on February 9, 1950 to Elizabeth ?Betty? Lenertz in St. Peter. They made their home in Mankato for five years and then in Sleepy Eye for 30 years. He worked in agri-business. He retired from Harvestland Co-op Elevator in Morgan. Following retirement they began traveling. They volunteered at Golf Islands National Seashore in Pensecola, Florida. They spent their summers at the COE (Corp of Engineers) Recreational Campground in Crosslake. He was a lifetime member of the Knights of Columbus. He was also active at St. Mary?s Catholic Church in Sleepy Eye.
Donald is survived by his wife of 53 years Betty; 6 daughters, Carolyn (Michael) Ress of New Ulm, Amy Rausch of Kansas City, MO, Claire Rausch of Honolulu, Hawaii, Diane Rausch and husband David Windschitl of Leander, TX, Mary Ann (David) Mendoza of Woodlands, TX , Lynn (James) Jorud of Sartel; 5 sons, Wayne A. Rausch of Malibu, CA, Matthew G.(Sheila) Rausch of California City, Maryland, Alan L. (Ilene) Rausch of Brooklyn Park, Christopher J. Rausch of Denver, CO, Mark E.(fiancee Libby Fulk) Rausch of Patterson, NY; sister Audrey (George) Frederick of Madison Lake; brother Theodore (Vonnie) Rausch of Brooklyn Park and 16 grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister Carol.

A memorial mass will be held on Saturday at 2 PM at Immaculate Heart Catholic Church in Crosslake with Father Dennis Hoffman officiating. There will be a gathering of friends 1 hour prior to the service at the church. Memorials are preferred to the Donald W. Rausch Memorial Fund to be designated later by the family. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Brenny Funeral Chapel in Crosslake.

Submitted by: Brenny Funeral Chapel Crosslake, MN. 56442 218-692-5051