Mark G. Rausch

Mark G. Rausch, 58, town of Riplinger, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, March 2, 2021, at Aspirus Wausau Hospital.

Mark was born December 5, 1962 in Wausau, to the late Lawrence and Bette Mae (Stange) Rausch-Esselman. 

Mark grew up in Athens, Wisconsin, on the family dairy farm.  It was there that he learned perseverance, a good work ethic and life skills.  Mark graduated from Athens High School in 1981.  After graduating, he worked for various employers throughout his life where he was most recently employed with Flink Builders.  As a child, Mark was curious about things and how they worked.  He would tinker around until he figured things out.  He carried that innate curiosity into his adulthood, learning many different skills and trades, such as hanging dry wall, fixing cars, planting flowers, welding, canning, anything having to do with his hands made him happy.  He had a keen sense of humor, a recognizable laugh, and a phrase he would say, “You up already?” when he would call at 3:00 in the afternoon, that tickled your heart and warmed your soul.  Mark, not only worked with his hands, but he was the one to call if you needed a helping hand.  He would drop what he was doing just to help, with no questions asked and no payment needed. 

His favorite pastimes were fishing, shooting pool, landscaping, gardening, cooking, building, and clowning around.  But, his biggest satisfaction in life, came from spending quality time with family, friends and enjoying the company of his first grandson. 

Mark is survived by his loving partner, Sondra Stange, Riplinger; his children, Jarrett and Makayla Rausch, Riplinger; grandson, Allen Rausch; his nine siblings, Ambrose (Patricia) Rausch, Athens, Thomas L. (Vernell) Rausch, Athens, Kenneth J. Rausch, Alaska, Norbert A. Rausch, Wausau, Marabeth (Jerry) Stahel, Marathon, Suzanne Franck, Weston, Therese Murkowski, Green Bay, Peter (Stacy) Rausch, Wausau, Jayne Rausch, Wausau; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins and relatives in MN, CO, WI, CA, IL, and OR.   

Visitation for Mark will be Monday, March 29, 2021 from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, Athens, with a service to follow at 5:00.  Current Covid protocols will be in place and masks are required for those in attendance.  Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com
 

James 1:12

Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him.
 

Mark lived life to the fullest and left a little piece of himself in all he encountered.  He would not want us to grieve but to continue on and live life.  We will always carry memories of him in our hearts.