Dr. Francis David Rausch

Francis David Rausch died peacefully at his home in Greenwood, SC on July 28, 2025. His wife of fifty-six years Linda Faye Lancaster Rausch was by his side. His son, Franklin David and daughter in love, Arlene, and their two sons David and John, were nearby.

Dave was born in 1945, third child and second son to Francis Charles and Gertrude Meyer Rausch.

After graduating from Winamac High School he enrolled at Indiana University. Even though he loved the ROTC program, there he realized that Veterinary Medicine was his true calling. So he transferred to Purdue University in 1966.

While at Purdue he performed research that helped provide more humane care to pigs and ducks during medical procedures. He was asked to join Phi Zeta, the only honor society of Veterinary Medicine in the United States.

In 1968 he and Linda tied the knot to a union that would seemingly last forever.

Dave graduated from Purdue University in 1970 and the following year he and Linda purchased the Animal Clinic of Plainfield in Indiana with their business partners Dr. Greg and Mrs. Rita Skinner. They were responsible for opening the first 24-hour emergency animal clinic in the Indianapolis area. This was a much needed service that benefitted the doctors, their clients, and most importantly, all their pets who needed care after regular office hours. They worked very successfully together for nineteen years until health issues forced Dave into an early retirement. But there was no loafing around for Dave...he went back to school and became a Certified Financial Planner (CFP). He never hung out a shingle, preferring to just helping friends and family as they saw fit. He steadfastly believed in the golden rule and following it gave him great joy throughout his life.

Dave loved to travel, beginning with taking Linda and her parents Ozzie and Betty Lancaster on many trips throughout the United States. After seeing all fifty states and the seven Canadian provinces he struck out to cross all the continents from his bucket list. Before his death he was awaiting the opportunity for space travel with Linda. Until then cruising took up most of their spare time.

He was predeceased by his parents Francis Charles and Gertrude Mary Meyer Rausch, brothers John, Mosey, and Dan and sisters Joyce, Trudy, and Mary. Brother Larry and sister Helen survive. When honoring Dave, a parishioner of Our Lady of Lourdes, please consider helping a food bank or the Humane Society. The Piedmont Hospice Center was a huge help in his final months and nurse Whitney and aide Elaine were especially helpful at this time. We can never thank them and the other people at hospice enough for their love and support.

Many people will miss Dave, but none more than his huge circle of family and friends, and remember, God is love.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church on Friday, August 8, 2025 at 11:00 am, with Father Francisco Oñate-Vargas officiating. Inurnment will follow in the church columbarium.

The reciting of the Rosary will be at Blyth Funeral Home at 6:00 PM on Thursday, August 7, 2025, with visitation to follow till 8:00 PM.

For online condolence visit www.blythfuneralhome.com.

Blyth Funeral Home & Cremation Services is assisting the Rausch family.