Donald R. Rausch

Donald Richard Rausch 74, of Winamac, passed the 120 for the last time Friday, December 4th at 9:11AM in Pulaski Memorial Hospital, he was not in a Deere though he was in Peace.

Born June 22nd 1946 to beloved mother Frances Elizabeth (Reidelbach) and Casper Christian ‘Cap’ Rausch,  he had a short stint at St. Joseph College before pursuing what came natural to him, farming. He was innovative, determined, hardworking and somewhat of a gambler, of course, but he always managed to tend a crop come rain or come shine and spent the last 54 harvests in a combine.

He was a grease monkey, avid hunter, card player, sports fan and enjoyed tractor pulls.  His passion and favorite past time was racing. All roads led to the race track where he racked up the points year in and year out winning King of the Hill and Ironman at his favorite drag strip. Competitive spirit notwithstanding, it was the comradery and friendships he collected that mattered most.

Don was a member of St. Peter’s Catholic Church, Royal Order of Moose Lodge 3000, Fraternal Order of Eagles, Elk’s Warsaw Lodge #802, NRA and IHRA Motorsports.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Theodore Rausch, and Lois Vollmer who was like a daughter to him.

He is survived by his best friend and partner Beulah ‘Bea’ Braun and her three sons Thomas, Charles (Brittney), and Lucas (JoAnna), Son, Tim (Melissa) Ritchie, Daughter, Jody (Josiah) Klinedinst, Sisters, Carolyn (Ken) Harpole and Deborah (Mark) Moss, Brother, Robert (Maureen Callahan) Rausch, several grandchildren, a great grandchild, many cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.

A consummate good time and source of strength his presence will be missed!

VISITATION HAS BEEN POSTPONED FROM TUESDAY UNTIL SUNDAY.

Visitation will be 2:00-6:00 p.m., Sunday, December 20, 2020 at Rans Funeral Home, Harrison Chapel 304 S. Chicago St., Royal Center, IN.

A Private Family Funeral Mass will be held at St. Peter’s Catholic Church.

Burial will be at Franklin Township Cemetery at a later date.

Per Don’s wishes, a Celebration of Life will be held at the Eagles, where the last drink will be on Don, at a later date.