Gerald Rausch

Gerald Gene Rausch was born on July 17, 1930, in Berlin, ND, the second son of Math and Edith (Shockman) Rausch. He grew up in Berlin, ND, attending school there and in LaMoure where he played baseball, football and basketball. He graduated from LaMoure High School in 1948. In 1952, he became a proud marine serving during the Korean War as a military policeman at Camp Pendleton, San Diego, CA and overseas in Japan. After being honorably discharged in 1954, Jerry moved to West Fargo, ND, where he became a trusted employee of Goldberg Feed and Grain. In 1960, he met the love of his life, Sylvia (Nedberg) and in 1962, they were married in Watertown, SD. His son Jerry was born in 1963. Jerry is best known for his devotion to family, a hard work ethic, red Fords, and country music. He was a highly skilled craftsman/carpenter who loved his work and loved to work. He built the house they live in plus two duplexes. He worked for DC Trautman Co for over 30 years as a construction superintendant. Today, people continue to touch things built by Jerry. He had his hand in the construction and remodeling of numerous area landmarks. When he wasn’t working on the clock, he was working for himself on many side projects to bring in additional income for his family. The projects are too numerous to mention but it’s a safe bet that many have touched his work without knowing it. Jerry worked hard but each year he and his family went on a driving vacation to some part of this country he loved. Often times, the trips led to Disneyland in California or Walt Disney World in Florida. Driving to these locations gave Jerry a chance to share time and experiences with his family. Later, Jerry shared family vacations with his son and his family. Jerry’s love of country music led to his discovery of the fun and entertainment of Branson, MO. He and Sylvia loved to make multiple trips there each year. Jerry’s most important legacy exists in the family he built. If you ask anyone who knew him, they will tell you that his wife and son were his pride and joy. That expanded once his son married and provided Jerry with two grandchildren, Jerry and Emily. He was always ready with a story and pictures about his son and the exploits of his grandchildren, Jerry and Emily. He was able to attend many of his grandchildren’s sporting and important life events. Even during his visits to the Mayo, he made extra effort to attend his grandson’s football games. He was so proud of them that it was hard to miss Jerry coming because he always wore the blue Minnetonka “M” hat given to him by his grandson. The last few years of his life, Jerry found great joy and good company with the many people he met and visited with at the mall. He joined the “Cooperstown” table playing countless games of pinochle and taking trips with the gang. Jerry is survived by his wife Sylvia; son, Jerry (Jackie) Rausch; grandchildren, Jerry and Emily; brothers, Nicholas (Merlyn) Rausch and John (Mary Kaye) Rausch; sisters-in-law, Joan Studebaker, Ruth Hovden, Martha Torkelson, Alfa Haugen, Dorothy (Owen) Schott; brother-in-law, Erling (Fern) Nedberg; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; a daughter, Cynthia Lynne; and two brothers, Duane Rausch and James Rausch. The family would like to thank Dr. Gross and the staff at Roger Maris Cancer Center. They are all truly wonderful people. On July 16, 2008, Gerald Gene “Jerry” Rausch, left this world to be with his Savior Jesus Christ. He died of cancer in the presence of his loving family at MeritCare Hospital in Fargo, ND. He was 77 years of age. Funeral Service: Monday, July 21, 2008, at 10:30 AM, at First Lutheran Church, Fargo, ND. Visitation: Sunday, July 20, 2008, from 5-7 PM, at Hanson-Runsvold Funeral Home, Fargo, ND. Prayer Service: Sunday, July 20, 2008, at 7 PM, at Hanson-Runsvold. B