Rausch, Lester H. 1915-1941

RAUSCH, HALL, MANN

Posted By: Doris Hoffman, Volunteer (email)
Date: 3/8/2016 at 18:08:33

Note: Mother's maiden name was Hall.

LESTER H. RAUCH INSTANTLY KILLED IN AUTO ACCIDENT

Mrs. Rausch Critically Injured Om Crash Early Saturday Morning

Lester H. Rausch, a well known resident of Akron, was instantly killed and his wife was seriously injured in an auto accident between 5 and 6 o’clock Saturday morning at the junction of the Riversioux road and Highway No. 77, about ten miles southwest of here, in Union county, S. D. They had started in the Dalton Implement Co.’s pickup truck for Meek, Nebr., to attend the funeral of Mr. Rausch’s uncle, Harry Fox, intending to ride there from Verdel, Nebr., with their cousins, Mr. and Mrs. Lloyd Peck, former Akron residents.

It was very foggy early Saturday morning and Mr. Rausch evidently misjudged the distance to the turn at the Peterson corner, as the visibility was poor. Before either Mr. or Mrs. Rausch realized what was happening, their car shot across the paved No. 77, leaped the 15-foot ditch and crushed into the opposite bank. The truck did not tip over, but rolled on for about 150 feet to the west before it came to a stop. Andrew Peterson, who lives in a farm house at the junction of the two roads, heard the crash and hastened to the scene. Finding that Mr. Rausch had been killed and that his wife was seriously injured, he returned to his home and telephoned to Ilk Point for the county coroner, Dr. H. F. Bright, Sheriff Edward Ekren and an ambulance. Corner Bright determined that Mr. Rausch had died instantly from a broken neck and fractured skull.

Mrs. Rausch was brought to the Akron Hospital, where it was found that she had sustained a skull fracture, a fracture of the right leg below the knee and numerous cuts and bruises. Her condition was critical for several days, but now she is somewhat improved, with an excellent chance for ultimate recovery. The fatal accident came as a great shock to the many friends of the young couple.

Lester H. Rausch was born near Alcester, S. D., August 9, 1915, and died at the age of 26 years, 3 months, and 20 days. With the exception of four years that he lived in Illinois, one year in Nebraska and several months in Minnesota, his life was spent in and around Akron. He attended the Akron High school and was very active and proficient in football. He completed his High school course here and graduated in the year 1933.

The next fall he enrolled at Morningside College, Sioux City and completed one semester there. On June 22, 1933, he was baptized and took up a membership in the Christian church. On September 16, 1935, he was united in marriage with Miss Garnet Mann, of Akron, at Elk Point, S. D., and to this union two children were born—a daughter and son.

In 1938 and 1939, Mr. Rausch operated a Standard Oil service station here and the pat two year he has been employed by the Dalton Implement Co. He was a faithful and dependable worker for his firm, who will find it difficult to replace him.

Mr. Rausch is survived by his wife and daughter, Barbara Jean, aged 5 years, and son, John Rausch,, of Marengo, Ill.; two brothers, James Rausch, of St. Paul, Minn., and Ralph Rausch, of Burns, Ore.; two sisters, Mrs. William Hubby and Virginia Rausch of Archer, Nebr.; his grandmother, Mr. Rachel Rausch, of Dundee, Ill., and many other relative and a host of friends, all of whom mourn the early and untimely departure of this estimable young man, whose sterling qualities won him high regard of the entire community. His wife, children and other relatives have the deep sympathy of all.

Funeral services were held Monday afternoon in the Christian church, conducted by the pastor, Rev. W. J. Zane. There was a large attendance at the services. Hymns were sung by a trio. Interment was in Riverside cemetery. As a mark of respect, the local business house closed during the funeral services.

Relatives and friends from a distance who attended the funeral were John Rausch, of Marengo, Ill.; Ralph Rausch, of Burns, Ore.; Virginia Rausch and Mr. and Mrs. William Huby, of archer, Nebr.; Mr. and Mrs. Ernet Hall, Mr. and Mrs. Oscar Hall, Mr. and Mrs. Harty Hall, Mr. and Mrs. Harold Scott, all of Sioux Falls, S. D.; Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Ruble, of Winona, Minn.; Mrs. Harry Fox, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Fox and family and Mr. Edward Kaezor, of O’Neill, Nebr.; Mr. and Mrs. Lloyd Peck and Joyce and Viola Peck of Verdel, Nebr.; Mr. and Mrs. Quay Jones and family, of Des Moines, Iowa; Mr. and Mrs. Floyd Jones and family, Mr. and Mrs. Stewart Jones and family, of Hinton, Iowa; Mr. and Mrs. Alfred Simonson, Mrs. Harry DeBoldt and Mrs. William Recoff, of Cherokee, Iowa; Albert Drew, of New London, Iowa; Mr. and Mrs. :Preston Jones, of O’Neill, Nebr.

Akron Register Tribune
Thursday, December 4, 1941
Akron, Iowa