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William Rausch Obituary
AGE: 65 • Princeton
William A. "Billy" Rausch, 65 of Princeton died on Monday, February 3, 2014 at home. Billy was born on November 27, 1948 in New Brunswick. He grew up in Highland Park and graduated from Highland Park High School in 1967. He was a paid fire fighter with the Highland Park Fire Department for 25 years and retired in 1997. He was a lifelong member of the Highland Park Volunteer Fire Department. He was a coach for little league in Highland Park before moving to South Brunswick. He also coached baseball for South Brunswick Athletic Association and Basketball for South Brunswick Recreation Department.
He is survived by his wife of 41 years, Susan McGarvey Rausch, 3 sons Joseph and his wife Susan of South Brunswick, Michael and his wife Jessi of Weehawken and Thomas of Weehawken. Billy is also survived by his beautiful grandchildren Kaitlyn, Matthew and Brooklyn who brought him so much joy. Another precious grandchild is expected this summer. He is also survived by his mom Claire Rausch McFadden, his brother Robert and wife Julie of Philadelphia, his sister Betty Hogan of Montgomery, and his sister Roberta and her husband Rick Ekstedt of Long Pond, PA. He was predeceased by his father Robert "Red" Rausch, and his step-father William "Mav" McFadden, also surviving 13 nieces and nephews and 27 great-nieces and great-nephews.
We have met the most amazing doctors, nurses, technicians, secretaries, hospice givers and even other patients along this two year plus journey. Bill charmed every single one of them with his sense of humor. May God bless each one of them as he has us along the way. A favorite song says it best… "Many things about tomorrow I don't seem to understand, but I know who holds tomorrow and I know who holds my hand." As God took him by the hand, his family surrounded him with love.
The funeral service will be held 10:00 am on Saturday, February 8, 2014 at the Calvary Chapel Crossfields 15 Half Acre Road, Jamesburg, NJ. Burial will follow in the Washington Monumental Cemetery 45 Hillside Avenue, South River. Friends may call on Friday, February 7, 2014 at the M.J. Murphy Funeral Home 616 Ridge Road At New Road, Monmouth Junction from 2-4 & 7-9 pm. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to: Grace Hospice Healthcare Services 105 Fieldcrest Avenue # 402 Edison, NJ , or Highland Park Volunteer Fire Department 220 South 5th Avenue, Highland Park, NJ 08904.
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Memories and Condolences
for William Rausch
Sponsored by anonymous.
mike
February 3, 2017
3 years has gone since I lost my best friend and role model, but I know you are watching over me every day wish a fresh cup of coffee!
miss ya papi
Katie Rausch
November 24, 2014
Pop was always there for me and always will be there for him
katie rausch
November 23, 2014
i miss you pop
Aviva Feller LaGasse
February 18, 2014
Dear Rausch Family,
I am sorry to learn of Billy's passing. Your family has created a legacy for Highland Park and many other towns. May Billy's memory be a blessing for your entire family. He will be remembered fondly by so many people.
Aviva Feller LaGasse(classmate of Betty)
stacey gondek
February 10, 2014
We are so sorry for your loss. I am sure he is in a great place and my dad is talking his ear off and telling him bad jokes. Nothing can fill the void but we are thinking of you and praying for comfort.
Sonny & Carol Schickner
February 9, 2014
To Susan and family as well as Bobby, Roberta and Betty and his mother Claire we send our condolences and prayers. Our fond memories of Billy are many and first one that came was when he baby sat one time for our two sons Bruce & Rob. The next day our boys came down with chicken pox. Billy had never had gotten it and fear he would get it and become sterile. Obviously he never got chicken pox. Again love to all of you. Sonny (Albert) and Carol Schickner
Last time I saw Uncle Bill. He was so HAppy!!!
Judy Guerra
February 7, 2014
Many memories will live on. Uncle Bill will be missed but never forgotten. Much love and many prayers sent.
February 7, 2014
To Sue and Family; Susanne and I are so sorry for your loss. We pray that God would give you the peace to heal and the strength to go on. Your brother and sister in the lord, John & Susanne Kronmaier.
Jenny Caban
February 7, 2014
Sue and family: Sorry for your loss. May God give you peace and strength during this most difficult time. Praying for you and your family.
Jim Byrne
February 7, 2014
Just want to extend my condolences on your loss. Bill was such a great guy with a unique and frequently humorous view on life. Saddened deeply to hear of his illness and passing. Such a great storyteller and acquaintance. Always will be a part of the Firehouse in Highland Park.
Paul A. Pappas Sr
February 7, 2014
I really never thought the day would come that I would have to say goodbye to my Mentor,Friend,Brotherfireman I always looked up to billy hard wo rking never quit tough strong new how to make a buck,goodprovider and father,i could tell many great stories through the many years I knew billy as worked for him in high school, but there is not enough room on this web sight, Great men do Great things in life ;Billy did just that.
Kim and Randy Shutz
February 6, 2014
We had the pleasure of buying the Rausch's house on Kory Drive. We bought the house from a stranger (at the time) and over the years my husband especially developed such a great repore with Bill, he couldn't have helped us enough with telling us how this and that worked in the house - he's been so helpful, he treated us like family from day one! In our eyes we bought the most perfect house from the most perfect person! We wish the Rausch family our deepest sympathy - he will be missed!
February 6, 2014
To the Rausch family:
My heartfelt sympathy. Billy was a great guy and one of the best athletes I've ever known. My father and I loved watching him play ball. Rest in peace Billy.
Bruce Berman
Sandy Fehte
February 6, 2014
To Sue and family- I am so sorry for your loss. You are in my prayers.
Arleen Panson
February 6, 2014
So very sorry to learn of Bill's passing.
All the Pansons remember him with much affection. Our love and prayers to all of you-
Lorraine Ricker
February 6, 2014
Sue and family,
My thoughts are with you and the family. I am so sorry about Bill. He tried so hard so stay with you, but it wasn't to be. Thinking of you at this sad time.
Lois Mahler
February 6, 2014
My deepest and heartfelt sympathy to the Rausch family.
February 5, 2014
Rausch family -
I am so sorry for your loss, your family is in my prayers. My father was a member of the fire dept with Red & Billy - wonderful memories of Highland Park. Everyone knew "Billy", he was so active in High School & the town. Billy you will be missed.
Kate (Kathy Hamilton) Bolger
February 5, 2014
Dear Dad,
I can't believe your gone. It's only been a few days and it feels like forever since I could pick up the phone to hear your voice. You were my best friend, my motivator, my debate partner and most of all, my Dad. You inspired me in life and you continue to do so in death. I just want to say how proud I am of you. You never gave up. You never complained and you never backed down from the fight. You were a our champion and you will never be forgotten. Dad, you will always live in our hearts, our minds, and in the stories we share about you. So, I just want to say one last thing, "Good Night Dad, I love you, and I miss you!" Love Joey
February 5, 2014
It's hard to believe Billy Rausch is not here with us anymore. The many years knowing Billy, and Claire, Red, and all of your family are forever wonderful memories for us. We all are so very sad now but each of us has a special story or incident about him that will bring a smile, and keep his memory with us. His life was truly well lived. We send our love and sympathy to you all, and wish you peace. The MacKinneys
February 5, 2014
Claire Sue and family so sorry to hear of Billy's passing. He ALWAYS made us laugh! My Billy story 32 years ago I was pregnant and so was Sue We were watching our husbands play softball. I was HUGE Billy came over to us and said to me"what are you going to do with that dress when you are done with it?' I said,"why do you want me to give it to Sue?" He said (in true Billy style") no I have a couch I want to cover!" He made a big fat pregnant lady have a great laugh ! Rich and I always looked forward to his stories. He was one of a kind! Our thoughts and prayers are with you! Fondly Francine and Rich Barndt
Scott Firsing
February 5, 2014
I am deeply saddened to hear about the loss of such a great man, Mr Rausch. He always treated me like a son, offering advice and guidance whenever needed, and always willing to lend a helping hand. I knew I would be greeted with a smile every time I walked into the front door in SB or Lawrenceville. And I will never forget your funny stories such as certain kids sleep walking :) You will be missed Mr Rausch.
Vicki Franken
February 5, 2014
Sue and Family, It appears that those that love the most, fight the hardest. No doubt Bill loved you more than words can begin to express. May God bless and comfort you.
Laura and Lonnie Albracht
February 5, 2014
Our heartfelt sympathy to all of the Rausch family.
We are fortunate to have met Bill. May God accompany him on his journey.
Buzz and Becky Garlock
February 5, 2014
To the Rausch Family - We only knew Bill for a short time but we were truly blessed and thankful for his friendship. There will be a huge void in the lives of so many. God's blessings to you all ~
Alan Numsuwan
February 5, 2014
Mr. Rausch was a great man who taught me many things growing up. One of the things I will never forget was when he was my baseball coach, and he taught me the importance of soft hands through playing pepper with me and Tommy. Mr. Rausch and family also introduced me to true Americana and treated me like part of the family when I was growing up down the street from them. I will also never forget when he said to put parmesan cheese on chicken noodle soup - something I still do to this day. He will be missed greatly and I have many fond memories of him.
Windfield Scott& Helen Lantz
February 5, 2014
Our prayers are with all of the Rausch family , had alot of fun with Bill around the Fire House. Sorry foe your loss. Chief Scott Lantz and wife Helen. may god bless you all
Al Kormondy
February 5, 2014
Rausch Family,
Please accept my deepest sympathies on Billy's passing. He was a good friend and always had a ready laugh.
elaine l eichler
February 5, 2014
Dear Claire, Bob, Betty, AND Roberta,
Our dearest Friend is Gone. We send our Deepest Condolences to the whole RAUSCH family, especially Claire & Sue. Now IKE & Billy will be together again.
Elaine, Joel and Eric Eichler, Hudson, FL.
February 5, 2014
I will miss you Cousin Billy. You were always so good to me when I was a kid and treated me like your baby sister. I will never forget the good times our family shared and how you made us all laugh! Sue and the boys, may God Bless you and keep you in your time of sadness. Please know that Bill is no longer in pain and is making Heaven an even more fun place to be! I am sure he was welcomed into Heaven with many many open arms. His laughter and kindness will surely be missed! Our Love and deepest prayers are with all of you, Joanne and Bob Good
Elaine L. Eichler
February 5, 2014
Dear Claire, Bob, Betty and Roberta, plus the Rausch family, WE CANNOT EXPRESS OUR CONDOLENCES MORE THAN TO SAY BILLY WAS OUR DEAREST FRIEND. At one point we all lived together at
Montgomery Apts. Billy & Sue HAD JUST BEEN MARRIED, Bob & then wife lived above me with JOEL & Eric. BETTY HOGAN lived with Jerry in the same place. BILLY WE ARE REALLY GOING TO MISS YOU "but IKE is waiting". RIP
Elaine L. EICHLER, JOEL AND ERIC, in FLORIDA
Geneva LoCastro
February 5, 2014
Dear Claire,
I am so saddened to hear of your son, Bill's passing. My prayers are with you and your family.
Geneva LoCastro
Pat Burns Toth
February 5, 2014
Dear Claire, Sue and family
I am so sorry to read of Bill's passing. My memories go way back to the Highland Park rec program in Donaldson Park. Billy was full of fun, I watched him grow up, play sports, follow his Dad into the HPVFD, be a mentor to many and a wonderful husband and Dad. He will be greatly missed.
Susan Kavarsky
February 5, 2014
Joe and family. I'm so sorry for your loss. May god be with you all and watch over you in your time of sorrow.
sarri vanliew
February 5, 2014
to susan and boys,my heart is heavy today.rauschie meant the world to. he i thank him every day for giving TVL..he will be miss by the VANLIEW FAMILY..rip my friend.
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