William "Bill" Rausch

WILLIAM “BILL” RAUSCH, age 88, of Waseca, died Saturday, March 2, 2024, at Lakeshore Inn Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Waseca.

He was born July 18, 1935, in New Ulm. He was the son of William John and Della (Inhofer) Rausch. Bill graduated from Cathedral High School in New Ulm. Following high school, he enlisted in the United States Army, where he served his country for two years, working at the Pentagon in Washington, DC, as a decoder. Following his time in service, he returned to Minnesota where he attended St. John’s University, Minnesota State University – Mankato, and Michigan State University where he earned his master’s degree in education. 

Bill began his life-long career for Waseca Public Schools where he taught 7^th and 8^th grade Earth Science. While working for WPS, he worked with a colleague, Erwin Olson, whose daughter Cookie, came in from college to attend the science fair in Waseca. Bill and Cookie formed a love that lasted their lifetime. They were married on August 7, 1965, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Waseca. Together they went on to live their lives and raise their two daughters, Kathy and Sandy. Bill and Cookie loved vacationing, taking summertime trips, going to their family cabin, boating, playing pool, cribbage, golf, camping, and any adventure pertaining to outside. One of Bills passions was anything concerning natural history. Bill was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Waseca, and the Knights of Columbus. Bill was a very nice, genuine, down-to-earth guy. He often surprised his family with his deadpan sense of humor and knowledge of unexpected facts on just about any topic. He will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Bill is survived by his wife, Cookie; two daughters, Kathy (Beth) Rausch of River Falls, WI, and Sandy Rausch of South St. Paul. 

He is preceded in death by his parents.

Visitation will be held from 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM, Saturday, March 9, 2024, at the Dennis-Steffel-Omtvedt Funeral and Cremation Service – State Street Chapel.