Bernard Rauch

Bernard Rauch passed away Friday, August 9, 2024.

Bernard was born in the Churchtown area to Raymond and Freda Rauch on July 24, 1935.

He is survived by his daughter, Elaine Whalin(Brian); his three sons, John Rauch (Susan), Jamey Rauch (Jody), and Jerry Rauch (Rachel); his sister, Anna Offenberger (Joe, deceased); and his two brothers, Donald Rauch (Madge), Mark Rauch (Katy) and former sister-in-law, Carol. He has eleven grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. Bernard is predeceased by his late wife, Jane; his parents; and his siblings, Edna Stotts (Russell), Dorothy Brauer (Tom), Lawrence Rauch (Mary), and Walter Rauch.

Bernard graduated from Waterford High School in 1953. Bernard met his late wife, Jane, on the farm they shared in Little Hocking. There, they raised their children, along with crops, beef cattle, and occasionally pigs and sheep. Because of the farm, Bernard was active in local agricultural organizations and was a supervisor on the Board of the Soil & Water Conservation District. In fact, Bernard and Jane were recognized for using outstanding agricultural conservation practices. Bernard farmed all his life, and it is clear to those who knew him that it was one of his great passions. Bernard was also a founding member of Little Hocking Fire Department. He was a member of St. Ambrose Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus.

Bernard was smart, clever, funny, and mischievous. He took his grandkids on grand adventures in the most mundane of places (like a parking lot, a tractor ride through a field, or a livestock sale). And he told great stories, captivating his grandkids and great grandkids with tales from his youth. We’ll cherish those memories and miss his endlessly entertaining stories, told with a smile on his face and twinkle in his eye. We hope he rests in peace.

Bernard’s visitation will be Friday, August 16, 2024, from 5 pm-8 pm at Leavitt Funeral Home, Belpre, Ohio.

His funeral Mass will take place on Monday, August 19, 2024, at 10:00am at St. Ambrose Catholic Church.

He will be buried in St. Mary’s Cemetery in Little Hocking, Ohio.

Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting LeavittFuneralHome.com.