PETER M. RAUSCH

RAUSCH PETER M. Son of Peter M. Rausch Sr. and Elizabeth Schmidt Rausch, passed away on March 15 peacefully in his home in Grosse Pointe Woods, Michigan. He has gone on to heaven to be with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Mr. Rausch was born in Detroit on January 25, 1921. He had an excellent talent for baseball, and was recruited before World War II to play minor league ball with the Detroit Tigers. His baseball career was set aside when he enlisted in the United States Army to serve his country in World War II. He served with the Army Corps of Engineers, European Theater of Operations, Italian Campaign, 39th Combat Engineering Division in the Fifth Army. He rose to the rank of 1st lieutenant and had a distinguished military career including earning the purple heart for injury in combat. Mr. Rausch married his high school sweetheart, Rita Cauchon, on December 24th, 1943. Together they raised five children. Mr. Rausch was employed by General Motors Corporation and retired from that company after 20 years of service in 1988. He was an active member of St. Clair Shores Assembly of God church. He was also an accomplished accordion player. Mr. Rausch was friendly, outgoing, fun-loving, enjoyed the outdoors, and playing with his grandchildren. He will be missed by his many friends and extended family. Mr. Rausch's son Joseph, cared for him during his last years and should be remembered for the kindness he gave to his father. Joseph is also now deceased. Mr. Rausch is survived by his wife, Rita, daughters Dianne, Marian and Nancy, son Peter, and seven grandchildren: Matthew, Rebecca, Alexandra, David, Marguerite, Alice, and Lyssa. A memorial service with full military honors will be held in April at Great Lakes National Veterans Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Hospice of Michigan, http://www.hom.org/donating.asp, to Services for Older Citizens, 313-882-9600, or to the St. Clair Shores Assembly of God church, 586-772-7740. Condolences may be sent to Bagnasco & Calcaterra Funeral Home, www.bcfh.com