February
13,
1931
13,
1931
October
09,
2013
09,
2013
William E. Rausch, 82, of Park Rapids, MN (formerly of Sandwich, IL) passed away October 9, 2013 in Fargo, ND. He was born February 13, 1931 in Aurora, IL, to William M. and Katherine Rausch. He married Betty Jane Schaak in Aurora, IL on November 24, 1951. They spent 32 happy years together until her passing in 1984.
Bill served in the Navy for a short time before receiving an honorable discharge. He owned and operated Rausch Tree Service in the early 60’s. Bill delivered freight in the Chicago land area for many years and is a retired Teamster. He and Betty owned and operated an Antique store in Sandwich for many years. He also drove stock cars in the 50’s and 60’s. He drove the #7 car at Bob-Jo Speedway in Sycamore, IL, and was known as “Wild Willie”.
He is survived by his son, Rick (Cara) Rausch of Big Rock, IL; two daughters, Karen (Mike) Walz of Sandwich, IL, and Kathy Rausch; six grandchildren, Dianne (Mike) James of Elkhorn, WI; Laura (Todd) Jones of Sandwich, IL; Angie (Gary) Grandgeorge of Somonauk, IL; Tamie (Clint) Warren of Coralville, IA; Tyler Rausch of Big Rock, IL; and Jennifer Dabbs of Sandwich, IL. He is also survived by five great-grandchildren; Bradley and Ashley Jones; Madison Rausch; and Jackson and Lucy Warren. He also leaves behind his friend Joann Laughry.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents; his wife; his sisters, Dorothy Ridge and Marilyn Buckley; son-in-law, Jeffrey Dabbs; and grandson, Eric Dabbs.
Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 19, 2013 at Turner-Eighner Funeral Home in Somonauk, IL, with Pastor Derek Johnsen officiating. Burial will follow in Oak Mound Cemetery in Somonauk. Visitation will be from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service.
Bill served in the Navy for a short time before receiving an honorable discharge. He owned and operated Rausch Tree Service in the early 60’s. Bill delivered freight in the Chicago land area for many years and is a retired Teamster. He and Betty owned and operated an Antique store in Sandwich for many years. He also drove stock cars in the 50’s and 60’s. He drove the #7 car at Bob-Jo Speedway in Sycamore, IL, and was known as “Wild Willie”.
He is survived by his son, Rick (Cara) Rausch of Big Rock, IL; two daughters, Karen (Mike) Walz of Sandwich, IL, and Kathy Rausch; six grandchildren, Dianne (Mike) James of Elkhorn, WI; Laura (Todd) Jones of Sandwich, IL; Angie (Gary) Grandgeorge of Somonauk, IL; Tamie (Clint) Warren of Coralville, IA; Tyler Rausch of Big Rock, IL; and Jennifer Dabbs of Sandwich, IL. He is also survived by five great-grandchildren; Bradley and Ashley Jones; Madison Rausch; and Jackson and Lucy Warren. He also leaves behind his friend Joann Laughry.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents; his wife; his sisters, Dorothy Ridge and Marilyn Buckley; son-in-law, Jeffrey Dabbs; and grandson, Eric Dabbs.
Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 19, 2013 at Turner-Eighner Funeral Home in Somonauk, IL, with Pastor Derek Johnsen officiating. Burial will follow in Oak Mound Cemetery in Somonauk. Visitation will be from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service.
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