Vernon Rauscher

Vernon Leroy Rauscher, 65, from Rapid City, SD exited this life on August 20, 2015 at his home. 

Vern was born in Wagner, SD on October 29, 1949 to Andrew and Lily (Kokesh) Rauscher. He attended school in Yankton, SD with his brothers, sisters and friends graduating in 1967. He then joined the army and was later released with an honorary discharge. 

He met Kristie Koster Rauscher, they married in 1970. They enjoyed 2 children together, Michael Rauscher from Sioux Falls, SD and Susan Johnson, Sidney, NE. He graduated from South Dakota School of Mines with a bachelor’s degree in engineering in 1983 and was employed at Grand Electric in Bison, SD, and Iowa Lakes Electric in Estherville, IA. He was also a lineman for Clay Union in Vermillion. His adventures took him to Dhaka, Bangladesh as an advisor to the government where he taught the natives to build electrical lines so they could have electricity.

He enjoyed learning the culture and shopping for brass. He also enjoyed hunting, fishing, watching sporting events and dance recitals of his grandchildren Alec and Abbie, visiting with friends and family about his travels, his experiences and his faith.

He married Xiu Jie Xing in 2003 and lived in Juneau, AK. He retired and moved to Rapid City, SD where he planned to enjoy the Black Hills. In his retirement he worked with his Wal-Mart family. Before his death he had the opportunity to enjoy a fishing trip with his grandson Alec Johnson and enjoyed his relationship with his son Michael. He joins his dad, Andy, sister, Betty and his grandparents in eternal life. 

Survivors include his wife Xiu Jie Rauscher; her daughter, Qian and granddaughter, Nicole all of Juneau, AK; his own children, Michael Rauscher, Sioux Falls, SD, Susan Johnson and grandchildren, Alec and Abbie of Sidney NE; mother, Lily Lawyer, Hinton, IA; brothers, Gary Rauscher, Big Stone City, SD and Tom Rauscher, Denison, IA; and sister, Carol Cullens, Hinton, IA.

Memorial services were Thursday, August 27, 2015 at 10:00 a.m. at First Wesleyan Church with Pastor Steve Selfridge. Inurnment followed at Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis, SD with military honors provided by VFW Post 1273.

Friends and family may sign Vern’s online guestbook at www.kirkfuneralhome.com