Ralph G. Rauch

RALPH GEORGE RAUCH. 91 of Sodus, MI, died at Lakeland Medical Center in St. Joseph on Monday, February 16, 2009. A “Celebration of Life” service will be held on Saturday, February 21, 2009 at 11:30 a.m. at Starks & Menchinger Family Funeral Home, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph. Rev. Shane McIntosh of The Rock Church will be officiating the service. The visitation will be held on Friday from 4:00 until 7:00 p.m.. There will be a private burial on Monday at North Shore Memory Gardens. Memorial donations may be made to the Rauch Family. Those wishing to share a memory or sign the guest book on line may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. Ralph was born to Otto and Helen (Schetizer) Rauch on April 18, 1917 in Tell City, IN. Ralph married Thelma Crawford on January 4, 1947 in Benton Harbor, MI. For most of Ralph’s working career he was employed as a supervisor at Benton Harbor Mallable. Ralph proudly served his country in the Navy during World War II. Ralph was an avid fisherman, enjoyed bowling, golfing and was a fan of all sports, especially, a die hard Michigan fan. Ralph also enjoyed his coffee with his buddies at Meijers scratching off lottery tickets and discussing politics. Ralph is survived by his wife and two daughters, Danni Powell of Sodus, MI and Deborah (Michael) Makara of Bainbridge, NY. He is survived by six grandchildren, Bryan (Tammy) Williams; Bradford Williams; Brittany Parish; Reshonda (Robbie) Darling; Jennifer (Phil) Horton and Kyle Worley and fourteen great grandchildren. Ralph is also survived by his sister, Della Wilson of Newport, TN and his chosen daughter, Linda (Lee) Mott and her son Troy and his children and Robert Williams. Ralph was preceded in death by his parents, his sister, Juanita Norton and several step-brothers and step-sisters.