Rausch, Arthur Francis 1924 - 2015

RAUSCH, NEUZIL, FIORENTINI, MEYER

Posted By: Joy Moore (email)
Date: 1/23/2015 at 12:23:37

Arthur Rausch, age 90, of Fort Atkinson, IA, died on Sunday, January 18, 2015, at the Winneshiek Medical Center in Decorah, IA.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m., Friday, January 23, 2015, at St. John’s Catholic Church in Fort Atkinson, IA, with Rev. Nick March presiding.

Friends may call from 3:00-7:00 p.m., on Thursday, January 22, 2015, and also on Friday morning from 9:00-10:00 a.m., at the Schluter – Balik Funeral Home, Chekal Chapel in Fort Atkinson, IA. There will be a rosary at 4:00 p.m., on Thursday afternoon.

Arthur Francis Rausch was born on June 17, 1924, the son of Julius and Mary (Neuzil) Rausch in Fort Atkinson, Iowa. Art attended St. John’s Catholic grade school and Fort Atkinson High School. In 1940, he had to quit high school, because of the death of his brother, Carl who was in charge of parts. Art was then parts man for Rausch Chevrolet. Art served in US Army during WWII from 1943 to 1945. He was united in marriage to Mary Grace Fiorentini on August 14, 1946, in Castiglioncello, Italy. In 1947, Art returned to the dealership as a mechanic and salesman for Rausch Chevrolet selling new and used cars. In 1954, Art and Ray became full partners in the dealership, selling autos until 1978. After that the dealership dissolved he continued to sell used cars and transitioned over to Rausch Auto Sales and the Lickety Split Convenience Store. Art drove bus for Fort Atkinson and Turkey Valley Schools for over thirty years. He always enjoyed tinkering with cars in his shop, watching western movies and traveling with Mary Grace. He especially enjoyed going to Italy and Europe. Art was a founder of the Fort Atkinson Volunteer Fire Department, and served as assistant Chief for many years as well as serving as Scout Master for his sons’ Boy Scout Troop. Art was a member of St. John’s Catholic Church, a charter member of the Huber Steffes American Legion Post #672 and the Turkey River VFW Post #3902.

Arthur is survived by his wife: Mary Grace Rausch, Fort Atkinson, IA. Four sons: Steve (Mary) Rausch, Waukesha, WI, Rick Rausch, Rolling Meadows, IL, Bob (Laure) Rausch, Fort Atkinson, IA, Chris (Karen) Rausch, Phoenix, AZ. Nine grandchildren: Justin Rausch, Anthony (Amy) Rausch, Mark Rausch, Tracey Rausch, Brian (fiancé, Sarah) Rausch, Luigi Rausch, Arianna Rausch, Harrison Rausch and Keaton Rausch. Eight great grandchildren: Evan, Jameson, Alexia, Katherine, Zachary, Paige, Lillian and Dehlia. One sister-in-law: Lois Rausch, Fort Atkinson, IA. Two brothers-in-law: Enrico Fiorentini and Roberto Fiorentini, both of Castiglioncello, Italy, along with several nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews.

Art was preceded in death by his parents: Julius and Mary (Neuzil) Rausch. His father and mother-in-law: Luigi and Lina Fiorentini. Two brothers: Carl and Raymond Rausch. One sister: Gertrude (Dennis) Meyer. Three sisters-in-law: Maria Enrica Fiorentini, Nada Fiorentini and Licia Fiorentini.

Source: Schluter - Balik Funeral Home database

St. John's Cemetery
 

Winneshiek Obituaries maintained by Bruce Kuennen.
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