Arnold Peter Rausch

Arnold “Arnie” Peter Rausch, 69, of Laurel, MD, peacefully went home to the Lord at the Gilchrist Hospice Center in Columbia, MD on Thursday, March 10, 2022. He was surrounded with love by his wife Debra and daughter Alicia during his transition. He was born in Hoven, South Dakota to the late Ruth and Harold Rausch on August 2, 1952. Through this union 5 children were born, Arnie, Reynold, Donald, Larry and LaVonne. Upon the death of his dad, Ruth married Alois Van Well, and to that union a brother Andrew Van Well was born. Arnie, being the oldest sibling, developed a strong educational and work ethic at an early age. His early education began in Hoven. His high school years were centered at O’Gorman High School in Sioux, Falls, South Dakota, where he attended a Minor Seminary Program preparing him for the Priesthood. During the summer months, Arnie worked in the Black Hills National Park at the State Lodge as a cook. Upon completion of High School, Arnie enrolled in St. Mary’s Heart of Mary Seminary in Winona, Minnesota where he stayed for 2 years. He finished his education at the University of South Dakota, a public research university in Vermillion, South Dakota. He graduated with a degree in psychology, minoring in the German language. Arnie enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in 1974 and using his skills as a German linguist, was stationed in West Berlin.

Arnie received the joy of music and faith from his grandparents, mother, father, and 8 “aunties”. He learned to share that love of music in his community, in his church, and later on in the Air Force and at St. Nicholas Church for the past 41 years. His involvement as a member of 4-H growing up and later as an adult leader was lovingly shared with his daughter, Alicia. It was in 4-H that he learned his love of leathercrafting. Alicia continues giving her time and talents to 4-H, even today.

He joined the U.S. Air Force in 1974 where he used his German language as a linguist. He was stationed in West Berlin, Germany. In 1977, during his first tour of duty, he worked diligently as a linguist. In 1977, it came time to change his duty station (PCS), and his replacement arrived, Debra Lamberti. This was the beginning of a wonderful period in his life. He met his future bride, Debra, his “replacement”, and they became engaged in 2 weeks. He returned stateside to Monterey, California for an Intermediate German Language course. After 6 months apart, Debra joined him in Monterey, and they were married on April 15, 1978. He returned to Debra for a 2nd tour of duty in West Berlin, where a beautiful daughter was conceived. Debra was honorably discharged, and they made a PCS in August 1981, which brought them to Laurel, MD. He finished his 2nd enlistment and went on to enjoy his professional career as a government contractor (becoming a Senior Test Engineer) with the Honeywell Corporation for 26 years.

Arnie learned to play both the 6 and 12 string guitars. He became very involved with the folk group in the Air Force, and the Traditional Choir and the Saturday Folk Group at St. Nicholas Catholic Church. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus (KofC) and served in leadership roles in both the Council and Assembly levels. He was a tenor/bass in the KofC 4th Degree Men’s Choir where he sang and accompanied the choir for many events. He was also a member of the Catholic Cursillo Movement of the Archdiocese of Washington and served as a musician for many Cursillo weekends. He also served as a member of the Secretariat leadership of the Cursillo Movement as the 4th Day Co-chair.

If you were to ask him what his greatest joy and accomplishment was, he would tell you his lovely bride and his daughter.

Arnie was preceded in death by his brothers Reynold Rausch and Andrew Van Well, and brother-in-law Earl Kruse (LaVonne).

He leaves to cherish his memories his wife and loving partner Debra Ann Rausch of Laurel, MD, his daughter Alicia M. Rausch of Charles Town, W.VA., sister, LaVonne Kruse of Aberdeen, SD, brothers, Donald Rausch of Rapid City, S.D, and Lawrence “Larry” Rausch of Blanchester, Ohio.

So, this goes on……