Harriet Rausch

Harriet Bernadine Rausch, age 86, of Big Stone City, passed away on March 5, 2018, at the Ortonville Area Health Hospital.

Mass of Christian burial will be Saturday, March 10, 2018, at 11:00 am at St. John’s Catholic Church, Ortonville, MN. Padre Davíd Garza will be the Celebrant. Visitation will be Friday, March 9, 2018, at St. John’s Catholic Church from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. with a prayer service starting at 7:00 p.m. Visitation will continue one hour prior to the service on Saturday.

Harriet Bernadine Roggenbuck was born on July 9, 1931, to Frank and Julia (Schmieg) Roggenbuck. She was born in Lac que Parle County, MN. She attended St. Benedict High School for two years, and then continue on and graduated from Bellingham High School. She grew up on the family farm outside of Rosen, MN.

Harriet married Eugene (Gene) Rausch on August 22, 1950, in Rosen, MN. From this marriage they had nine children: Bill, Mike, Karen, Val, Frank, Tony, Andy, Patty, and Sue. Harriet and Gene lived in Big Stone City after getting married. They lived in Virginia while Gene was in training for military service. Harriet moved back to the farm while Gene was in Korea. After the war, they lived in St. Cloud while he attended business school. After graduation, they moved back to Big Stone City where she remained until her passing.

Harriet was a member of St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church of Big Stone City and was a member of their choir. She decorated the altars at St. Charles Church for 30 years. She also served as a sacristan for many years. Harriet was a loyal Oblate of Blue Cloud Abbey.

She loved arranging flowers, gardening, singing, putting puzzles together, crocheting, and golfing. She belonged to a bridge group and a birthday club. She was known for preparing holiday candy and baked goods, especially banana bread and caramels.

Many remember Harriet as attending all the children’s events. They could count on her being there to support them in all of their activities. The kids kept her busy, and she enjoyed every minute of it.

Cherishing her memory are her children: Bill (Becky) Rausch of Richland, WA; Mike (Lonie) Rausch of Big Stone City, SD: Karen Rausch of Henderson, NV; Val (Paula) Rausch of Big Stone City, SD; Frank (Julie) Rausch of Centennial, CO; Tony (Deb) Rausch of Milbank, SD; Andy (Tracey) Rausch of Maple Grove, MN; Patty Rausch of Wentworth, SD; and Sue Rausch of Big Stone City, SD; 25 grandchildren: Andy, Julie (Steven), Sarah, James, Aaron, Christopher, Nicholas, Katie, Dan (Annie), David (Houa), Micaela (Mark), Thomas, Stephanie, Miles (Holli), Bryce (Lindsey), Molly, Brenna, Amy (Kevin), Kevin, Teresa, Amanda, Alaina, Nathan, Aaron, and Charlie; nine great-grandchildren: Madi, Abraham, Gareth, Ian, Ainsley, Hazel, Piper, Holly, and Mayumi.

Preceding Harriet in death were her parents: Frank and Julia Roggenbuck; husband, Eugene; siblings: Irene, Ralph, Ellen, and Bryce; daughter-in-law, Kirsten; and two infant daughters.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting memorials be sent to Abbey of the Hills in Harriet’s memory.