Red Rauschke
July 28, 1946 - November 20, 2019
Red Rauschke, age 73, of New Prague, died peacefully in the loving presence of his family on Wednesday, November 20, 2019 at his home. Red was born on July 28, 1946 in Willmar, Minnesota to Leonard and Lorraine (Wondra) Rauschke. He graduated from Montgomery High School and entered the US Army in 1969 and served in Vietnam. He married the love of his life, Karen D. Harpel on April 4, 1986 in Montgomery and the couple raised their family in New Prague, where he worked in the roofing and construction industry for companies that included Nieman Roofing in New Prague and Dunham Brothers in Lakeville. Red was a proud member of the American Legion, VFW, and Knights of Columbus and a tireless volunteer with the Peace Center. He will be remembered first and foremost as a proud grandpa and one who attended as many of the kids’ functions as possible. He was a man of few words, portrayed a tough exterior, but had a tender and generous heart; in short, he was a loving teddy bear and would help anyone with anything. He loved woodworking and could build anything from doll cradles to sturdy chests of drawers. He will be sadly missed by so very many family and friends.
Red is survived by his loving wife, Karen; children, Nicole (Mark) Hvidsten of New Prague, Ryan (Denise) Rauschke of Austin, TX, Tara (Neil) Wolford of Brooklyn Center, Jena Rauschke of Forest lake, Ben (Jessica Baumgartner) Rauschke of Austin, TX: grandchildren, Samantha, Taylor, Mikkal Hvidsten, Logan Rauschke, Ebon & Ben Pasley, Ashley Wolford; sisters, Ellen Flicek of Montgomery, Laurie (Wally) Callenius of Shakopee, Bonnie Rauschke of Le Sueur; loving nieces and nephew. He is preceded in death by his parents; brother-in-law, Don Flicek.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held Tuesday, November 26, 2019 at 11:00 AM at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church with Father Kevin Clinton officiating. Visitation will take place at Bruzek Funeral Home on Tuesday morning from 8:00 – 10:30. Burial will occur at Ft. Snelling National Cemetery where military honors will be conducted immediately after Mass. The New Prague Veterans Honor Guard will be present at Mass.
Karen, Our sympathies to you and your family. Keeping you and yours in our thoughts and prayers.
Nicole and Mark & Family, we are so very sorry for your loss.
Nicole, Mark and fanily,
We were so sad to hear about your dad when I read the paper today. Our thoughts and prayers to all of you. And special prayers to Mikkal from Nolan and all of us. I know your dad’s memory lives through Mikkal, your girls and all Red’s grandchildren!
Love, The Widmer Family
Jerry, Julie and Nolan
Karen & Family,
We are so sorry to hear of your loss. Just know that Patti and I are keeping you and your family in our thoughts and prayers.
Dan & Patti Boyle
So sorry for your loss! Prayers for you and your family during this difficult time.
You have our sympathies. Red was a fine man. Wish i had gotten to know him earlier. May the peace of Christ be with you all.
Karen & Family,
So sorry for your loss. May your memories bring you some comfort.
Karen and Family,
So sorry for your loss. May God’s love hold you tight and give you strength. Praying for peace. Love to you and your family.
To Jena ,Ben, and Ryan so sorry for the loss of you dad did enjoy when he came to visit.
We are so very sorry for your loss. Mark and Paula Gehlen
Red remember when we were in 9th grade and went to ben”s bar you said you ma sent you to get cigarettes. Karen so sorry love to be there I have a mpls va appointment at that time.
Karen and Family,
We are so sorry about Red. He was a wonderful man. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
David and Susan Karan
Karen and Family,
You have my deepest sympathy and you will be in my thoughts and prayers. I have fond memories of Red and his service to our nation in Vietnam influenced my decision to answer the call to duty. He will be missed. Sincerely – Colonel Joe Sharkey and the entire Sharkey Family.
Sincere sympathy to family of Red. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. I am Sandy Gregor Weber a high school classmate of Red’s. Yes. I remember him as being a quiet man and a great basketball player.
God bless you, Red. You will be missed tremendously. We shall meet you in heaven. Love, The Slocum’s
Karen and Family,
So very sorry for your loss. We hope the happy memories will bring you peace and the love and support of family give you strength. God’s love and blessings to you.
Karen and family,
I wish you peace and strength during this difficult time. I will keep you in my prayers.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this sad time. May wonderful memories comfort you!
Karen, I am so sorry for your loss. Know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. Love to all the family.
Karen and family, Logan and my sympathy to all of you.
Karen and family, so very sorry for this tremendous loss. My thoughts and lover are with you.
Karen, we are really so sorry that he went so fast. Too fast as Larry never had the chance to say goodbye! Praying for you and your family!
Karen,
I’m so sorry for your loss. Red was a great man! Thinking and praying for you, and your family♥️
Sorry for your loss Karen
So sorry, Karen. My prayers are with you during these tough days. Love you!
Very sorry about your loss. Thoughts and prayers for all of you.
So sorry to hear of a Red’s passing. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers!
Ken & Rosella Kes