Obituaries

January 18, 1949 to January 17, 2015

WINAMAC - Dr. Michael Joseph Rausch, 65, of Winamac, died at 9:37 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 17, at Pulaski Memorial Hospital, Winamac.

He was born Jan. 18, 1949 in Logansport, to the late Wilbert H. and Madelyn Marie Holbrook Rausch. He married Pamela D. Deafenbaugh on Sept. 8, 1984 in South Bend. She survives. 

Also surviving are: 
Zachary Alexander Rausch, Winamac, Son 
Noah Hunter Rausch, Colorado Springs, CO, Son 
Stephen (Barbara) Rausch, Winamac, Brother 
Paul Rausch, Winamac, Brother 
Theresa (Robert) Krohn, Sheridan, Sister 
Patricia (Randel) Holliday, Winamac, Sister 
Monica (David) DeSabatine, Winamac, Sister 
Loretta "Lori" (Leon Morales) Rausch, Winamac, Sister 
Elizabeth "Betty" (Larry) Allen, Winamac, Sister 
Rebecca (Greg) Vanderheyden, South Bend, Sister-in-law 
Many Nieces, Nephews, Aunts, Uncles and Cousins 

Preceded in death by:  
William A. Rausch, Brother 
Jack D. Deafenbaugh, Father-in-law 
Patricia Crooks Deafenbaugh, Mother-in-law 

Dr. Rausch graduated from Monterey High School in 1967. He attended Purdue University where he received his bachelor's degree and later his Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine in 1975. He began his professional career working for Dr. Bruce Hostrawser at the Animal Hospital of South Bend and later purchased the practice. He and his family moved to Winamac in 1989, where he operated a house call service before establishing the Winamac Pet Med Center. In 2005, he retired due to health issues and the practice was later purchased by Dr. Richard Davis.

Dr. Rausch appreciated being able to return to his hometown, to work and live. He was a member of the Indiana Veterinary Medical Association, National Muzzle Loading Rifle Association (NMLRA), National Rifle Association, Purdue Alumni Association, and National Wild Turkey Federation. He was a former Kiwanian in South Bend and a former Winamac town councilman. He served several years on the Pulaski County Board of Health. He was a true outdoorsman and conservationist. At a young age, he developed a love for the land while working on the family farm. In his youth, he attained a passion for hunting, fishing, and trapping; a gift he would get from his father, share with his brothers and friends, and pass on to his sons. 

Dr. Rausch enjoyed visiting, telling stories, and spending time with family and friends, whether it be starting the day over a pot of coffee at Vicky's, catching up with cousins and family at reunions, or discussing and admiring antique firearms at the NMLRA's shoots in Friendship, IN.He shared a connection with his clients, especially when talking about their pets, so much so that his staff often had to remind him to "wrap it up" for his next appointment. He was a loving husband and father. He will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Visitation will be from 3 to 8 p.m., Friday, at Frain Mortuary,Winamac; and one hour prior to services Saturday at the funeral home. the funeral service will be at 11 a.m., Saturday, Jan. 24, at the funeral home with Rev. Matt Landry officiating. Burial will be at Mt. Zion-Franklin Township Cemetery, Winamac.

Memorial donations may be made in memory of Michael J. Rausch to: National Muzzle Loading Rifle Association 1 of 1000 Program, Pulaski County Community Foundation Wildlife Conservation and Education Fund, or to one of the following animal rescue organizations: Alicia Smidler Fund c/o Christine Smith, Pulaski Animal Center, or Humane Society.