Liane Rausch

Liane Rausch, age 71, of Big Stone City, SD, passed away on Thursday, August 20, 2026, at her home, surrounded by her loving family.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, August 28, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Charles Catholic Church in Big Stone City, SD. Visitation will be held on Thursday, August 27, 2026, from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at St. Charles Catholic Church, with a prayer vigil and Rosary beginning at 9:00 p.m. Visitation will continue one hour prior to the Mass at the church on Friday. Fr. Tom Hartman will lead the prayer vigil, and Fr. John Helmueller will celebrate the Mass; interment will be at St. Charles Cemetery in Big Stone City.

Liane Elizabeth (Cloos) Rausch was born on January 4, 1955, in Minneapolis, MN, to Gerald “Bud” and Jeanne (Hublou) Cloos. Liane’s family moved to Big Stone City, SD, when she was just six weeks old, where she would go on to build a lifetime of cherished memories.

On July 9, 1977, Liane was united in marriage with Paul Rausch, and together they built a family centered on faith, love, and devotion to one another. Liane’s days were dedicated to raising their five children as a stay-at-home mom, a “domestic engineer,” as she would tell anybody who asked. She devoted herself completely to creating a welcoming home where family, faith, and hospitality were woven into everyday life. She poured her time, energy, and heart into her family and sharing the Catholic faith that guided her.

Those same qualities shaped her role as Grandma. Her beloved “grandkids” were the light of her life, and she took great joy in caring for them and attending their many activities. She delighted in their individual talents and accomplishments and treasured every opportunity to spend time with them.

Liane’s Catholic faith was the foundation of her life. She was an active member of St. Charles Catholic Church in Big Stone City, once serving as the Religious Education Director and later sharing her talents and love for flowers by decorating the church. Liane strove to live out the Gospel each day, always looking for ways to share the love of Jesus and practice the Corporal Works of Mercy, far beyond church activities. When out in public, Liane had a warm greeting for everyone she met. She could recognize when a stranger was having a difficult day and offer a hug and words of encouragement. Liane welcomed anyone into her home and especially sought out those who were lonely or less fortunate, inviting them to share holidays, special occasions, and even camping trips with her family. She was always quick to share a smile or a laugh – her humor was one of a kind! She had a remarkable gift for making others feel seen, valued, and loved.

As the founder and director of Birthright in the Ortonville/Big Stone area, Liane demonstrated her commitment to the sanctity of life and to supporting young mothers in need. She also completed an extensive course of study to become certified to teach Natural Family Planning. She and Paul actively taught classes and counseled married couples, sharing an approach to family planning aligned with their Catholic faith. This work was especially meaningful to Liane and reflected both her convictions and her desire to serve others.

Throughout her years of raising a family, Liane also worked in the community through several different roles. One of her first jobs was serving as secretary at Frigo’s Cheese Factory. She especially enjoyed her time at Elmer’s Drive-In and her 14 years at Lou’s Greenhouse. Liane was also proud to contribute her talents to the Big Stone County Veteran’s Service Office, a role that held special meaning because of her father’s World War II service and patriotism. More than the work itself, Liane valued the friendships she formed and the opportunities to connect with and support others.

Liane was very artistic and found joy in interior decorating, crafting, and sewing. She shared these talents generously with her family, friends, church, and community. Liane also had a deep love for God’s creation, particularly flowers, sunsets, and snow-capped mountains. Some of her favorite memories were made alongside Paul, their children, and later their grandkids while camping, hiking, fishing, and exploring the beauty of God’s world together. She was able to enjoy one last camping trip all the way to Alaska and back with Paul last summer, which became a clear highlight of the end of her life.

Left to cherish Liane’s memory are her husband, Paul, of Big Stone City, SD; her children: Christina “Tina” Rausch (Eric Cunningham) of Maple Grove, MN; Maria Rausch of Ortonville, MN; Elizabeth “Lizzy” Rausch of Milbank, SD; Peter (Sabrina) Rausch of Rapid City, SD; and Annie (Brent) Pederson of Dumont, MN; 14 grandchildren: Rebecca “Becca” Lavallee, Benjamin “Ben” Rausch, Kadence Rausch-Frank, Brynlee Taylor, Colby Taylor, Lillian “Lily” Rausch, Matthew “Matt” Rausch, Henry Rausch, Grace Rausch, Theodore “Teddy” Rausch, Beatrice “Bea” Rausch, Amelia Pederson, Ivy Pederson, and Quinn Pederson; sisters: Cherrie Cloos (Shirley Johnson), Becky (Craig) Wellnitz, and Jackie (Randy) Praznicki; along with many nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

Preceding her in death were her five miscarried babies, whom she lovingly carried in her heart; parents, Bud and Jeanne Cloos; paternal grandparents, Allen and Elizabeth Cloos; and maternal grandparents, Vince and Vivian Hublou.