Rausch, Mary Grace (Fiorentini) 1927 - 2022
RAUSCH, FIORENTINI, JENSEN, MEYER
Posted By: Joy Moore (email)
Date: 5/27/2022 at 14:20:39
Mary Grace Rausch, age 94, of Fort Atkinson died on Friday, May 20, 2022, at Gundersen Palmer Hospital in West Union, IA.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, May 31, 2022, at the St. John’s Catholic Church in Ft. Atkinson, IA with Rev. Nick Radloff presiding. Burial will be in the church cemetery at a later date.
Visitation will be from 9 a.m. until the time of the service at the church Tuesday morning.
Mary Grace (Maria Grazia Fiorentini) Rausch was born on May 31, 1927, the daughter of Luigi and Lina Fiorentini of Castiglioncello, Italy. There, she grew up with her two brothers in the beautiful coastal city. Mary Grace loved spending time at the beach, swimming in the ocean, and enjoying the beauty of Italy. At the age of 18, Mary Grace fell in love with an American soldier, Arthur (Art) Rausch, who was briefly stationed in her hometown during the war. During this time, Mary Grace only spoke Italian and Art only spoke English. This made it difficult at first for the two of them to get acquainted, but with the help of an Italian language book, Art was able to sweep Mary Grace off her feet. Eventually, Art had to return to the United States but promised he would come back for Mary Grace. For seven months Mary Grace and Art corresponded through letters that would be sent to a translator to interpret. Following Art’s discharge from the service, he kept his promise and returned to Castiglioncello for his one true love. On August 14, 1946, Mary Grace and Art joined together in holy matrimony. On Christmas night of 1946, Mary Grace and Art began their travels back to Fort Atkinson, IA where they arrived on January 11, 1947. There, Mary Grace and Art went on to create a beautiful life and family together. Mary Grace worked hard to learn English and become an American Citizen for her family. Together, Mary Grace and Art raised four children, Steve, Ricardo, Robert, and Christopher. Mary Grace loved being a mother and grandmother and worked hard to make their home special. Authentic Italian meals were thoughtfully prepared by Mary Grace as she adored cooking, feeding her family, and filling her home with warmth and love. Fashion was also a priority for Mary Grace as she was always the best-dressed person in the room. She cherished watching her grandchildren grow up and was proud of the family she created with Art. She was strong in her faith and was a longtime member of St. John’s Catholic Church. To know Mary Grace was to love Mary Grace. She had a special way of making everyone laugh and smile with her sweet and sassy disposition. To say she will be missed would be an understatement, but we will forever cherish the beautiful memories she has brought to us all. We find peace in knowing she is reunited with her true love, Art.
Mary Grace is survived by her Four Sons: Steven (Mary) Rausch of Chandler, AZ, Ricardo Rausch of Fort Atkinson, IA, Robert (Laure) Rausch of Fort Atkinson, IA, and Christopher (Karen) Rausch of Phoenix, AZ. Nine grandchildren: Justin Rausch, Anthony Rausch, Mark Rausch, Tracey Rausch, Brian (Sarah) Rausch, Luigi Rausch, Harrison (Ana) Rausch, Keaton Rausch, and Arianna (Travis) Jensen. Eight great-grandchildren: Alexia, Katherine, Zachary, Paige, Lillian, Raylyn, and Jameson. Two great-great-grandchildren: Carter, and Nehemiah. Two Brothers: Enrico Fiorentini and Roberto Fiorentini both of Castioglioncello, Italy. One Aunt: Flora Fiorentini of Castioglioncello, Italy. One sister-in-law: Lois Rausch of Fort Atkinson, IA. As well as several nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and nephews.
Mary Grace was preceded in death by her husband: Arthur Rausch. Her Parents: Luigi and Lina Fiorentini. One Sister: Maria Enrica Fiorentini. Her Mother and Father-in-law: Julius and Mary Rausch. One nephew: Riccardo Fiorentini. Three brothers-in-law: Raymond Rausch, Carl Rausch, Dennis Meyer. Three sisters-in-law: Nada Fiorentini, Licia Fiorentini, Gertrude Meyer.
Source: Helms Funeral Home database
St. John's Cemetery
Winneshiek Obituaries maintained by Bruce Kuennen.
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