Obituary of Robert Rauch

Robert Lee Rauch April 30, 1925 - October 17, 2010 Robert Lee Rauch was born in Toledo on April 30, 1925. He was the son of the late Allen Roy Rauch and the late Ruth (VanTassel) Rauch. Robert lived and was raised on the homestead farm in Erie, and attended the Wood School. He graduated from Monroe High in 1943. During World War II, Robert served with the 27th Division in Okinawa. He was awarded the Combat Infantry Badge, Bronze Star, Good Conduct Medal, Asiatic Pacific Theatre with Battle Star, American Defense Medal, World War II Victory Medal and one year occupational medal serving in Japan. He served four years in the United States Air Force from May of 1950 until September 1954. During the Korean War, Robert served in Newfoundland for twelve months. He was a life member of Erie VFW. Robert worked for Consolidated Paper Company, (the old Binder Board Plant on Roessler Street). He retired from the Consumers Power Company (J.R. Whiting Plant) in 1983 after twenty-eight years of service. He was a member of WWUA Local 258 and served as recording secretary. He moved to Florida with his beloved Sharon for eighteen and a half years before returning to Monroe in December of 2001. While in Florida he was a charter member of American Legion Post 347 Honor Guard. Robert passed away peacefully on Sunday, October 17, 2010 at Mercy Memorial Hospital. His legacy includes wife: Sharon of Monroe; children: Robert (Denise) Jr. of Temperance, Randall (Debra) of Remsen, NY, Mary Ruth (Rudy) Ortiz of Jourdonton, TX, Jeffrey (Jane) of Dundee, April (Edward) Killian of LaSalle, Mitzi M. Jackson of Monroe, Julie (Dale) Wyatt of Belgrade, MT, Kevin Carder of Monroe, Christopher (Trina) Carder of Deerfield, and Gregory Carder of Monroe; siblings: Mildred Crane and Dwight Rauch; sister-in-law: Elma "Sally" Rauch; nineteen grandchildren, four great grandchildren, many nieces and nephews, and great nieces and nephews. Friends may gather Thursday, October 21, 2010 at 11:00am at the Erie Presbyterian Church, 2029 Manhattan Street for a Celebration of His Life. Brenda Wilkison, CLP, pastor of the church will officiate. Procession will follow to Roselawn Memorial Park in LaSalle where graveside services will be under the auspices of Erie VFW Post 3925. Merkle Funeral Service, 2442 North Monroe (734) 384-5185 is entrusted with arrangements. In lieu of flowers memorial gifts to Erie Presbyterian Church or VFW Post 3925.