Les Eugene Rauch Obituary, Death Cause – Charles Leslie Rauch was born on March 30, 1940, in Grant City, MO, to Arthur and Agnes Rauch. Some of Leslie’s childhood homes were in Grant City, MO, and Mount Ayr, IA. Leslie worked hard and helped others as a child. It was hard for the kids to find time for school, sports, and chores because his family farmed. Sports, 4-H, FFA, the Grain Judging Team, the “M” Club, High Y, and faith groups were all things he did. He also worked for area farmers. Leslie went to Iowa State University for one and a half years. In 1959, he joined the Army Reserves and trained at Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri. He then finished advanced rifle training at Fort Dicks in New Jersey. After that, he went back to Mount Ayr to farm and drive the school bus.
He met Cela Walters, his wife, through his sister, and the two started dating in 1960. The next year, he asked her to marry him, and on December 13, 1961, they said yes. Before they came to Manning, Iowa in 1963, they lived in Mount Ayr. His boys Gene and Mike were born while he lived in Mount Ayr. Christy was born after they moved to Manning. They moved to Denison, Iowa, in 1968, and their daughters Theresa and Suzanne joined them. Leslie was involved in his community, no matter what kind of society it was. He helped start the Jaycee chapter in Denison after being a founding member of the group in Manning.
Optimists, Habitat for Humanity, Promise Keepers, and United Methodist Men were some of the other groups he was a part of. Leslie really wanted to help people and share his love for Christ. With all his heart, he has given up everything to teach Sunday School at the First United Methodist Church. Together with Cela, he worked as a cleaner. He took the kids to Cornerstone Family Church for church.
When Leslie started working at Farmland in 1964, he was also the head of the Union there. In 1980, Leslie joined UFCW Local 440 as Secretary/Treasurer. She held that position until she was chosen Vice-President and then President. He left the UFCW in 1995.
In his retirement, he worked at Farm Services Co-Op, Dairy Queen, Rauch Farms, AMVC, Argotsinger Farms, drove a school bus for Charter Oak-Ute Schools, and managed rental properties because he was so determined. Leslie liked hanging out with his family, going to game clubs, fishing, traveling, and seeing his kids, grandkids, and great-grandkids do things. There wasn’t much that could stop Leslie from going to events and showing his support and joy.
In peace, Les died at Gracewell-Eventide Lutheran Home in Denison on his 84th birthday, March 30, 2024. Parents: Arthur and Agnes Rauch; wife: Cela Rauch; daughter: Christina Rauch; grandson: Derek Rauch; brothers-in-law: Lyle Quick and Dale Walters; sister-in-law: Donna Schrodt; niece: Michelle Schrodt; and nephew: Scott Walters.
We will miss him. Gene (Kelly) Rauch of Schleswig, IA; Mike (Rhonda) Rauch of Denison, IA; Theresa (Mark) Beeck of Denison, IA; and Suzanne (Scott) Paulsen of Omaha, NE are his loving children. He also leaves behind eleven grandchildren, including Christy Berndt of Avoca, IA, Casey Hicks of Grand Junction, CO, Cassie (Aaron) Johnson of Onawa, IA, Garrett Beeck of Schleswig, IA, Madison (Connor) Krajicek of Belton, MO, Zach Rauch of Denison, IA, Bryce Paulsen of Omana, NE, and Jazlyn Beeck of
