David E. Rausch

David E. Rausch, 86, of Marysville, passed away peacefully on Saturday, February 1, 2025 at his home following a brief illness.

A devoted husband, loving father and grandfather, David was a 1956 graduate of Marysville High School. While he was at The Ohio State University, he chose to return home due to his father’s ill health. At that young age, David took over total operation of the family dairy farm. Through the years, he successfully maintained and expanded both acreage and herd size of the multi-generational farm, along with the help of his two sons.

David served as the youngest member of the Federal Land Bank Board and served as a Millcreek Township Trustee. He enjoyed going fishing with his friends at Lake Erie and loved to travel, attending many OSU bowl games and several farm tours in the Continental U.S., Europe, China, and Hawaii. He proudly attended various sporting events and other activities throughout the years supporting his children and grandchildren. David also enjoyed playing euchre for over 60 years with his friends at card club and even taught his grandchild how to play while on vacation in the Florida Keys for his 80th birthday. He was a lifetime member of St. John’s Lutheran Church, where he was baptized, confirmed, attended grade school, served as a deacon, and was a member of the church dartball team.

Born January 1, 1939 in the family farm home in Marysville, David was the son of the late Edgar and Lucia (Ell) Rausch. In addition to his parents, he is also preceded in death by infant twin sons, Jeff and John Rausch; and his brothers and sisters-in-law, Reynold (Beth) Rausch and Carroll (Nancy) Rausch.

David is survived by his loving wife of over 61 years, Willadene (Rigg) Rausch, who he married on September 28, 1963 at the St. James Lutheran Church in Archbold, OH. He is also survived by his children, Keith (Deborah Crunkilton-Rausch) Rausch of Marysville, Kevin (Cheryl) Rausch of Marysville, and Jane (Scott) Bordner of Hilliard; and his grandchildren, Brendan, Cameron, Ashton, and Damon Bordner; Noah (Abbey) Rausch, and Megan Rausch.

Services to celebrate David’s life will be held on Thursday, February 6, 2025 at 2:30 P.M., with visitation beginning at 1:30 P.M. at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Marysville with Rev. Jacob D. Heino officiating. Burial will follow at the church cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 4:00 – 7:00 PM on Wednesday, February 5, 2025 at Wilson Funeral Home in Marysville, Mannasmith Chapel.

Memorial contributions can be made to St. John’s Lutheran Church or St. John’s Lutheran School Growing Roots Campaign. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.wilsonfuneralhomesinc.com