Leslie Eugene Rauch, Sr.

Leslie Eugene Rauch, Sr.  was born March 30, 1940 to Arthur and Agnes Rauch at the family home in Grant City, MO.

Leslie and his siblings grew up in Grant City, MO and Mount Ayr, IA. Leslie grew up working hard and being charitable. His family farmed so that meant the kids were busy with chores in addition to schoolwork and activities. He was active in sports, 4-H, FFA, Grain Judging Team, the “M” Club, High Y and faith clubs as well as working for local farmers.

Leslie attended Iowa State University for 1 ½ years, then joined the Army Reserves in 1959 and trained at Fort Leonard Wood in MO and completed advanced infantry training in Fort Dicks in NJ. He returned home to Mount Ayr to farm and drove the school bus.

Leslie met his wife, Cela (Walters), through his sister and they began dating in 1960. The following year he proposed and they were married December 13, 1961. They lived in Mount Ayr until they moved to Manning, IA in 1964. While living in Mount Ayr, his sons Gene and Mike were born. After moving to Manning, daughter Christy was born. In 1968, they moved to Denison, IA and daughters Theresa and Suzanne joined the family.

Leslie was active in his community, regardless of which community it was. He was a charter member of the Jaycee’s in Manning and later helped start the Denison chapter. He was also involved in United Methodist Men, Cheer, Inc., Optimists, Habitat for Humanity, and Promise Keepers. Leslie had a passion for helping others and sharing his love of Christ. He has dedicated himself to serve as a Sunday School teacher at the First United Methodist Church. He and Cela served as janitors, as well. He picked up kids for church for Cornerstone Family Church.

Leslie started working at Farmland in 1964 where he also served as chairman of the Union. In 1980, Leslie became Secretary/Treasurer of UFCW Local 440 until being elected as Vice-President and later, President. He retired in 1995 from UFCW. His relentless spirit kept him working during his retirement at Farm Services Co-Op, Dairy Queen, Rauch Farms, AMVC, Argotsinger Farms, driving school bus in Charter Oak-Ute Schools and managing rental properties.

Leslie enjoyed spending his free time with family, card clubs, fishing, traveling and watching his kids, grandkids and great grandkids activities. There was very little that could keep Leslie from attending events and showing his pride and support.

Leslie passed away peacefully on his 84th birthday, Saturday, March 30, 2024 at Gracewell-Eventide Lutheran Home in Denison. He was preceded in death by his parents Arthur & Agnes Rauch; wife, Cela Rauch; daughter Wanda Christine Rauch; grandson Derek Rauch; brothers-in-law Lyle Quick and Dale Walters; sister-in-law Donna Schrodt; niece Michelle Schrodt; and nephew Scott Walters.

He is survived by his loving children: 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; eleven grandchildren: Christy (Scott) Berndt of Avoca, IA, Casey (Spencer) Hicks of Grand Junction, CO, Cassie (Aaron) Johnson of Onawa, IA, Garrett Beeck of Schleswig, IA, Madison (Connor) Krajicek of Belton, MO, Zachary Rauch of Denison, IA, Bryce Paulsen of Omaha. NE, Jazlyn Beeck of Savannah, GA, Kayla Rauch of Omaha, NE, Nicole Paulsen of Omaha, NE, and Dominic Rauch of Schleswig, IA; nine great-grandchildren: Braden Fineran, Lauryn Johnson, Cael Berndt, Jagger Sharp, Cela Hicks, Callahan Hicks, Frankie Hicks, Avery Beeck, Aurora Krajicek; siblings: Charles (Pam) Rauch of Parrish, FL; Jeannette Quick of Akron, IA; Dean (Linda) Rauch of Cornelius, NC; Leland (Wanda) Rauch of Montgomery, TX; Helen (Wendell) Akers of Geneseo, IL; David (Sue) Rauch of Manning, IA; sister-in-law, Beth (Keith) Whitson of Beaconsfield, Iowa; brothers-in-law: Rex (Ann) Walters of Beaconsfield, Iowa and Lyle (Barb) Walters of Bayfield, Colorado; a host of other relatives and friends.

Visitation with Family Greeting Friends will be 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 2, 2024 at the Huebner Funeral Home in Denison. Leslie’s Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, April 3, 2024 at the First United Methodist Church in Denison. A Private Graveside Service will be in Crawford Heights Memory Gardens in Denison. Memorials may be directed to the family.