Thief River Falls – John Rausch, 68, of Thief River Falls, passed away peacefully on Friday, September 16, 2022 at The Meadows on University in Fargo, ND.
John Anthony Rausch was born in Thief River Falls on May 26, 1954, twin brother of Joan, son of Raymond and Florence (Gerardy) Rausch. He was baptized and confirmed at St. Bernard’s Catholic Church in Thief River Falls. He was raised on a dairy/beef and grain farm in Excel Township, Marshall County. He attended Knox Elementary, Northrup Elementary, Franklin Middle and Lincoln High Schools all in Thief River Falls, graduating with the class of 1972. Following high school, John attended the Area Vocational Technical Institute in Thief River Falls for welding.
John worked as a welder for various manufacturing companies in the area. He worked for Douglas Steiger at Hydra Mac for many years, then to Quicor. John later moved to sales at Fleet Supply until his retirement in May of 2017. From then on John was a stay-at-home Grandpa to Teagan and Paxton and the family’s four canine companions, especially his best bud, Zuko. This was a job he dearly loved!
He enjoyed working and fixing with his son, Dean, on snowmobiles, motorcycles, and minibikes. John was very gifted with his mechanical abilities. He enjoyed going for rides out in the country to see the wildlife, fishing, attending garage sales and auction sales, drinking beer, and smoking cigarettes. John truly enjoyed visiting with his friends and family. He treasured his family history and where he grew up. He was a simple man who lived a simple life, he valued the simple things and was happy with what he had.
Survivors include his loving sons, Dean (Samantha) Rausch and Robert Chute; grandchildren, Teagan, Paxton, Landen and Kayden; twin sister, Joan (Terry) Lubitz of Thief River Falls; brother, Robert (fiancé Deborah Gillis) Rausch of Robbinsdale; and many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
He is preceded in death by his parents; nieces, Melissa Fox and Kristina Rausch; and many other relatives and friends.
Visitation will begin at
1 p.m. with the service to celebrate John’s life at 2 p.m. on Saturday, October 8, 2022 at Johnson Funeral Service in Thief River Falls, with Msgr. Timothy McGee presiding. Burial will follow at St. Bernard’s Cemetery in Thief River Falls.
Condolences may be sent at www.johnsonfuneralservice.com.
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