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Peter Steven Rauschenplat

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Peter Rauschenplat Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Jun. 23, 2025.

Peter Steven Rauschenplat

November 16, 1944 - June 19, 2025

Peter Steven Rauschenplat, born November 16, 1944, in Huntington, West "by God" Virginia, passed away peacefully at home in Candler, North Carolina, on June 19, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.

Peter spent much of his early life in Miami, Florida, where his love for adventure and connection first took root. He proudly served his country in the United States Air Force, an experience that shaped his character and instilled a lasting sense of service and pride.

He never met a stranger-Peter's warm smile, quick wit, and generous spirit made everyone feel like a lifelong friend. A devoted motorcycle enthusiast, he was rarely without a bike and rode every Christmas in support of Toys for Tots, blending his love for the open road with his generous heart.

Peter was also a fierce competitor on the drag strip. His garage was filled with trophies from a lifetime of racing victories, each one a testament to his fearless spirit and love of speed. Whether on two wheels or four, Peter lived life wide open.

A man of faith, Peter was a member of Emmanuel Lutheran Church, where he and Sherry found joy, friendship, and a sense of belonging in their church community.

To his adoring grandchildren, he was lovingly known as "Papi"-a role he treasured most of all.

Survived by:

- His loving wife of 36 years, Sherry Rauschenplat

- Daughters: Julie (children Noah, Jack, Oliver & Zoe) and Lori (husband Ryan; children Gable & Ellie)

- Stepson: Mark (daughter Sydney; wife Amy; son Myles)

- Stepdaughter: Melinda (husband Jason; children Blue, Highland & Coast)

- Many loving nieces and nephews

Peter was preceded in death by his parents, Eberhard and Faustina Rauschenplat, and his siblings Lou, Paul, and Elsa.

He will be remembered for his kindness, humor, adventurous soul, and his deep love for his family. His memory will forever ride on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him

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Recent Activity

July 2, 2025

Kent Self posted to the memorial.

July 2, 2025

Gary and Carol Bennett posted to the memorial.

June 30, 2025

Garry Sykes posted to the memorial.

10 Entries

Kent Self

July 2, 2025

As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.

Gary and Carol Bennett

July 2, 2025

Sherry, we are sorry for your loss and send our love and prayers.

Garry Sykes

June 30, 2025

Sherry, I had not heard this about Pete until my niece, Jennifer, sent this to me ! I´m so sorry to hear that Pete had passed away ! I remember him as a very friendly guy, and immediately felt like he was a good friend ! I recall that he bought my lot on Jay´s Mtn. because he had a relative, ( brother ? ) who wanted to move up here from Florida and build a home here. I never heard if that ever happened ? We send our love and condolences to you sherry, and all of the family !

Garry & Judy Sykes

Richard and Tammy Ortiz

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Nick Pili

June 26, 2025

What an amazing Grandfather Pete has been. Taking the kids on endless hikes, trips to Carowinds, teaching them how to fish, ride go-karts, ride bikes, drive cars, shoot a pistol and countless other activities. He had more energy than all of them put together and stayed a kid at heart. Thank you for all you have done. You will be missed.

The Pili Family

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Peter and Emilio, Hotel Comodoro, Havana 1952

Emilio Cancio-Bello

June 25, 2025

Peter and I, or as we called each other, Huffa, spent the `60s on our bikes and motorcycles hunting and fishing in the Everglades and all over Florida. But, as very active teenagers, we needed to supplement our intake constantly, so we came up with an idea to make some money. Why not sell our catch? We approached Mike Osceola from the Native Trading Post on the Tamiami Trail and offered to supply him with rattlers, water moccasins, and small gators that we carried on our bicycle baskets in paper bags, cuz that´s how we did it back then. Our moms, being sisters, often looked at each other and pointing at us would ask, "is he yours?"
His love for motorcycles never faded and is well documented, and his infectious smile lit up every room he entered. Together with our brothers, we camped all over the Appalachian Trail and never got tired of it, as long as he had an RC Cola with him. To Sherry, Lori and Julie, and the rest of his beautiful family, I´m sure you know how much he was loved and how much he will be missed. Love ya, Huffa.

Cathy Mohler

June 23, 2025

I am so sad I didn´t get to spend more time with Uncle Pete when I was older. I remember the snakes and motorcycles too. Even after his accident he was back riding. I remember every day for lunch he would have a can of Pringles, dip and RC cola. I was sad when he moved to North Carolina because I missed him but I remember how excited he was to go. I was so happy he found and married Sherry and lived so happy enjoying Julie and Lorie and Sherry´s kids. He loved all his grandkids and loved to tell my dad all about them. He will be greatly missed. I pray for all the family and pray for you every day.

Brian Pier

June 23, 2025

First 3 things my Uncle Pete showed me when we moved down to Miami. (I was 7 years old) He had 2 pigmy rattle snakes he found in the Everglades and a live Water moccasin that he had in a large jar, which he milked the poison out of....how to climb a 20 ft. Coconut palm and open the fruit with a machete, drink the milk and eat the meat...and how to hang on as he sped down the street on his motorcycle ....he had just won the Florida Drag Championship !!! Oh, and how he ate a monster bowl of Cheerios every morning...and that was just the beginning of a plethora fun things Uncle Pete had in store for us throughout the years. We loved him so much and will miss everything about him