Merlin John Rausch

Merlin John Rausch was born on October 27, 1932, in Dubuque IA, the son of John and Anna (Knipper) Rausch. He passed away Thursday, May 31, 2012, at the Guttenberg Care Center after a long battle with Alzheimers since 2007. Merlin received his education from Xavier School in Dyersville. On December 15, 1956, Merlin married Joanne Reyerson in Guttenberg and was blessed with three children. For 32 years, Merlin and Joanne owned and operated Rausch Petroleum in Guttenberg. Merlin also worked at John Deere and was a security officer at the Isle of Capri Casino Boat in Marquette, IA. Merlin enjoyed visiting with family and friends, driving his 1952 Cadillac that he restored with his son Steve, playing with the family dog Maggie, playing his player piano and was happiest when mowing lawn with his John Deere Mower. Left to cherish the memory of Merlin is his wife of 55 years, Joanne; three children, Steve (Sue) Rausch, Nancy McClellan both of Guttenberg, Daryl (Gail) Rausch of Monroe Wis; 6 grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren and 2 great great grandchildren; one sister Adelaide Bildstein of Dyersville and many other relatives and friends. Merlin is preceded in death by his parents, 12 siblings, Edmund, Catherine, Armella, Emma, Marie, Joseph, Peter, Jack, Theresa, Anna Mae, Francis and Mary Magdelene.Visitation: Sunday 2:00 - 7:00 P.M. June 03, 2012 at the Tuecke-Allyn Funeral Home Guttenberg, Iowa and one hour before service at church.Funeral Service: Monday 10:00 A.M. June 04, 2012 at St. John's Lutheran Church Guttenberg, IowaInterment: Guttenberg City Cemetery Service Information A service summary is not available