Obituaries

June 22, 1946 to December 4, 2020

ROYAL CENTER - Donald Richard Rausch, 74, of Winamac passed away unexpectedly at 9:11 a.m., Friday, Dec. 4, at Pulaski Memorial Hospital.

He was born June 22, 1946, the son of Casper Christian “Cap” and Frances Elizabeth Reidelbach Rausch. He briefly attended 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 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; and many cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.

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

In addition to farming, Mr. Rausch was a “grease monkey,” an 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 comraderyand friendships he collected that mattered most. He 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. A consummate good time and source of strength, his presence will be missed!

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 20, at Rans Funeral Home, Harrison Chapel, Royal Center. A private family funeral mass will be held at St. Peter’s Catholic Church, Winamac. Burial will be at Franklin Township Cemetery at a later date.

Per Mr. Rausch’s wishes, a celebration of life event will be held at the Eagles Lodge, where the last drink will be on Don, at a later date.