Richard A. Rausch

Richard’s Live Streamed Funeral Service can be viewed below:

Richard Allen Rausch completed his life’s journey on April 14, 2023, at home in Moorhead, under the care of Hospice of the Red River Valley, surrounded by loved ones. He had a short battle with cancer.

Richard was born on March 10, 1934, in Edgeley, North Dakota to John and Leona (Johll) Rausch. He moved to West Fargo when he was six months old. He lived on Sheyenne Street for the next sixty-eight years.

On August 23, 1969, he married Alice Christina Thum. They moved from Sheyenne Street to Moorhead in 2002. She passed away on January 16, 2014.

He was a longtime member of Blessed Sacrament Church in West Fargo before becoming a member of St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church in Moorhead, MN.

He was drafted into the United States Army and served his time in Germany with the 9th Infantry, Heavy Mortar Company, 39 Infantry Regiment, Linus Company. He was honorably discharged in July 1963. During his service, he received a good conduct medal. He was a lifetime member of the West Fargo Veterans of Foreign Wars.

He joined the West Fargo Fire Department in September 1964. He served as the Assistant Chief from 1968 to 1970. He was the last volunteer Fire Chief in 1971. He continued to serve as a volunteer until December 1992. Even after his retirement, he could be found at the fire station, whether checking up on things or having a donut.

One of his first jobs was with Eid-Co Construction. He built many homes in the West Fargo area. Over the years he worked for a number of different construction companies. Later in life he worked for the Tintes Land Company doing speciality construction.

Turtle Lake was one of his favorite spots. Constructed with love, the cabin was his prized possession. The special place he shared with friends and family. Richard actively pursued his passions while at the lake, fishing and gardening.

In 2018, after having some medical issues, he decided to live with his daughter, son-in-law, Coco (his dog), and Thelma (his cat).

He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Leona; his wife, Alice; siblings, Eugene (Betty) Rausch; Phillip (Beverly) Rausch; Irene Cole; and Luella Pemberton.

He is survived by his son Allen (Lori) Rausch of Maple Grove, MN; daughter Anna Marie (Chris) Stenson of Moorhead, MN; son Andrew Rausch of Moorhead, MN; and grandchildren, Tia (Chris) Stenson-Cunningham of Rapid City; Mya Rausch, Damonte Rausch, and Ian Rausch.

Please direct any memorials to Hospice of the Red River Valley or Roger Maris Cancer Center.