Florian Patrick Rauch

Florian Patrick Rauch, 83, a resident of Lakeshore Drive in Calumet, passed away on Thursday, November 19th at the U.P. Heath Systems in Marquette after a short illness.

Florian was born on March 17, 1937 in Raymbaultown, son of the late Joseph and Rose (Sustarich) Rauch.    

Florian graduated from Sacred Heart High School in Laurium in 1955. After graduation, he served for 2 years in the U.S. Army.  He then worked for American Motors in Milwaukee, Calumet & Hecla’s Ahmeek Mill and the Bosch Brewing Company.   Florian eventually joined the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers, working on the Great Lakes, and then as a civilian at Canal Park in Duluth until he retired 28 years later when he moved back to Calumet.

Florian was tenth in a family of ten children.   He was preceded in death by 2 ½ year old brother Richard, Emma (Sister Mary Ricarda of the School Sisters of Notre Dame) Rauch, Helen (Honey) Kelly, Clarice Rauch Chopp, Jean Rauch, Elmer Rauch, and Jackie Rauch.   

He is survived by Fred Rauch (Laverne) and Max (Mickey) Rauch, and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Florian was a devoted member of St. Paul the Apostolic Church in Calumet.

Florian found joy in many things.  He loved his family, the Church, Lake Superior, boats of the Great Lakes, birds, wildflowers and trees.  He would often share trees and flowers with others, whether it was clumps of wildflowers from his yard or buying them as gifts to plant in their own yards.  His favorite in nature was the Monarch Butterfly.   He was also known for clipping articles and recipes from newspapers and magazines and sharing them with others later.   It wasn’t surprising to have a conversation with him about a certain subject or recipe and then have a clipping from a paper dated many years ago appear in your mailbox.  He clearly loved to learn and to share what he learned with others.  Florian was a people person, and anyone who has ever met up with him in a grocery store aisle, will attest to that.   He could talk for hours, only because he enjoyed connecting with people so much.  He was also very generous, always thinking of ways he could do something for others, even in small ways-it was just part of who he was.   Often if he found a good sale, he would buy much more than he could ever use, just so he could have extra to give to others.

Private visitation was held at the Ryan Funeral Home.   A funeral mass and burial service with military honors is being planned for 11 a.m. on Friday, May 21, 2021 at St. Paul the Apostle Church and Lake View Cemetery in Calumet.

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