Effingham, Ill. -
Harold Dean Rauch, 76, of rural Newton, llinois passed away at 1:19 a.m., Tuesday, May 4, 2010 at St. Anthony's Memorial Hospital in Effingham, IL. 

Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m., Friday, May 7, 2010 at the Holy Cross Catholic Church in Wendelin, IL with Fr. Ralph Zetzel celebrating mass.  Burial will be in the Holy Cross Cemetery in Wendelin with full military rites by the Jasper Post #20 American Legion.  Visitation will be held 5:30-8:00 p.m., Thursday, May 6, 2010 at the church with a rosary at 5:00 p.m.  There will also be visitation 1 hour before the mass at the church.  Arrangements are under the care of the Blake-Buchanan Funeral Home in Newton, IL. Memorials may be made to the donor's choice in Harold's memory.

Harold was born December 5, 1933 in Jasper County, IL the son of William and Alma (Kistner) Rauch.  He was united in marriage to Ruth Bushur on October 24, 1959 and they celebrated their golden anniversary last year. Harold served his country in the United States Army and was stationed in Germany. Harold was a farmer and owner with his wife of Rauch's Bait Shop by Newton Lake.  He was an active member of the Holy Cross Catholic Church in Wendelin.  He was a trustee of South Muddy Township for 37 years.  He enjoyed hunting, fishing, playing euchre and spending time with his children and grandchildren. 

Harold is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Ruth Rauch of Newton; eight children, James (Sharon) Rauch of Ingraham, Deborah (Dana) Workman of Louisville, Philip (Lisa) Rauch of Dieterich, Edward (Lisa) Rauch of Ingraham, Cheryl (Greg) Buerster of Noble, Paula (Doug) Frohning of Newton, Christopher (Lori) Rauch of Newton and Timothy (Karla) Rauch of Newton;  Harold and Ruth have 20 wonderful grandchildren; two brothers, Clifford (Gertrude) Rauch of Ingraham and Arthur (Barb) Rauch of Newton; two sistes, Lavera Bryan of Ingraham and Geneva (Franklin) Geier of Newton.

Harold was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Wilfred (Mary Ellen) Rauch of Teutopolis and Melvin (Erma) Rauch of St. Charles, IL and a brother-in-law Jack Bryan.
(Newton Press Mentor, 5/7/2010)