Mr. Herbert Gerhardt Rausch

Balik Funeral Home did services for my Great Uncle Herb Rausch ( May 05, 1917 - November 28, 2016 ) Herb Rausch, age 99, of Fort Atkinson, IA, died on Monday, November 28, 2016, at the Barthell Eastern Star Home in Decorah, IA. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m., Thursday, December 1, 2016, at St. John’s Catholic Church, 201 Oak Street, Fort Atkinson, IA, with Rev. Kyle Digmann presiding. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Friends may call from 4:00-6:00 p.m., on Wednesday, November 30, 2016, and on Thursday morning after 9:30 a.m., at the Schluter – Balik Funeral Home, Chekal Chapel, Fort Atkinson, IA. There will be a rosary at 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday. Herbert Gerhardt Rausch was born on May 5, 1917 the son of Hugo C. and Barbara (Hackman) Rausch on the family farm three miles south of Fort Atkinson, Iowa. Herb attended St. Luke’s Catholic School. He served in the US Army, from 1942 to 1945, during World War II, serving in Africa, Italy, France, Germany and Austria. Herb married Christine Kuboushek on December 27, 1945 at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church in Spillville, Iowa. Herb operated a crane for Reilly Construction as a sub-contractor for twenty-three years, doing road construction. He then became self-employed operating his crane for a total of sixty years, retiring when he was 88 years old. Herb enjoyed music and playing the accordion. Herb owned, developed and maintained the trailer park in Fort Atkinson up until a few years ago. He enjoyed working in his yard, keeping things meticulous and helping others. Herb was a member of St. John’s Catholic Church, was a member of the Foresters, Huber-Steffes American Legion Post #627, VFW Turkey River Post #3902 and the 4th Degree Knights of Columbus. Herb’s survivors include his wife, Christine Rausch, Fort Atkinson, IA. One daughter: Mary J. (Steve) Chamberlin, Cedar Rapids, IA. One son: John M. (Carla) Rausch, Waucoma, IA. Two grandsons: Jason J. (Jessica) Rausch, Omaha, NE, and Jeremy (Toni) Rausch, North Liberty, IA. Five great grandchildren: Madison and Colton Rausch, Jacob, Myah and Jaxson Rausch. Two sisters: Verena Croatt, West Union, IA and Laura Kuboushek, Calmar, IA. One sister-in-law: Darlys Rausch, Fort Atkinson, IA, along with many nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews. Herb was preceded in death by his parents, Hugo and Barbara (Hackman) Rausch; three brothers: Alex (Loretta) Rausch, Donald Rausch and Carl (Helen) Rausch. One sister: Hermina (Arnold) Boeding. Two brothers-in-law: James Croatt and Robert Kuboushek. His father-in-law and mother-in-law: Albert and Christina (Luzum) Kuboushek.

Mr. Herbert Gerhardt Rausch

May 5, 1917 - November 28, 2016