Daniel Robert Rausch

Daniel Robert Rausch, 40, of South Elgin, died Monday, January 22, 2007 at home surrounded by his loving family. He was born September 2, 1966 in Chicago, the son of Henry J. Rausch and Mary T. (Schuler) Dixon.

He served in the United States Navy from July 1985 to August 1988 and was a member of the Civil Air Patrol.

Daniel had a passion for ships and airplanes. He was so proud when he accomplished his dream of becoming a private pilot. In addition, he passed the written exam to be a commercial pilot and looked forward to a promise of a career as a commercial pilot. He had been employed by United Airlines since November 1998.

He and his wife, Connie, loved to travel together. In particular, they loved their trip to Alaska when they unexpectedly went dog sledding with people who were training for the Iditerod Race. Another unforgetable trip was when they traveled to Ireland for a friend's wedding.

Daniel is survived by his wife of 8 years, Connie; his son, Joshua Rausch of Vista, CA and Joshua's mother, Virginia Rausch of Vista, CA; his father, Henry J. Rausch of Bremerton, WA; his mother, Mary T. Dixon of Honolulu, HI; his grandmother, Dorothy E. Schuler of Des Plaines; his sister, Mary K. (Scott) Orr of Fullerton, CA; his brothers, Henry J. (Janet) Rausch of Harper's Ferry, VA, William N. (Katherine) Rausch of Ft. Campbell, KY and Steven E. (Mary Swartzel) Rausch of Riverside, CA and a large extended family.

Daniel was preceded in death by his maternal grandfather, Nicholas W. Schuler and his paternal grandparents, Henry John and Cleo Rausch.

A visitation will be held from 2:00 to 8:00 P.M. Friday, January 26, 2007 at the Norris Funeral Home, 100 S. Third Street (3 blocks west of the Fox River and 1 block south of Rt. 64) St. Charles, where a liturgical wake service will be held.

A funeral mass will be held at 10:00 A.M. Saturday, January 27, 2007 at St. Patrick Crane Road Church, 6N491 Crane Rd., St. Charles with Fr. George Birungyi celebrant. Burial will be in Prairie Cemetery, St. Charles.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Daniel's memory may be made to the American Lung Assoc., 1749 W. Naperville Rd. #202, Wheaton, IL 60187. Attention: Lung Cancer Research.

For information, (630) 584-2000 or www.NorrisFH.com