William Rauch

William “Bill” Rauch, age 77, of Naperville, formerly of Joliet, passed away following complications from a stroke, Sunday, September 17, 2017 at Presence St. Joseph Medical Center in Joliet, IL. He was born on March 5, 1940 in Athen, Ohio. Bill grew up in rural Ohio and attended local schools. The oldest son in the family, Bill knew the value of hard work. In fact, he began working at the age of 15 while attending Columbus North High School. He graduated with the class 1958. Bill continued his education at Ohio State University where he received a Bachelor’s Degree in Human Resources. Shortly after graduation, Bill was united in marriage to Rosemary Purdy. After accepting his diploma, Bill answered the call of his country and proudly served in the United States Navy. His time overseas in Vietnam finally at an end, he was happy to return to civilian life following his honorable discharge. Bill settled Lima, OH and pursued a job in human resources. Never really able to feel “at home” for very long, Bill and his growing family moved frequently. Eventually, he and Rosemary took separate paths in 1974. Fate would smile once again when Bill met Russetta Flanders Allen in 1977. His heart was forever hers when they wed on December 22, 1978. They began their new life together in Joliet for a time, but finally settled in Naperville in 1979. Their family would eventually include six children and Bill’s heart couldn’t have been happier. Human resources may not sound like a “sweet gig” but when he was hired by Tootsie Roll, it wasn’t just metaphorically sweet, but literal as well. His twenty year tenure brought him to his retirement in 2005. Bill volunteered many hours with Feed My Starving Children and was a long time faithful member of the Wesley United Methodist Church in Naperville. His artistic talents brought him into membership of the Naperville Art League. Regularly working twelve hour days, rarely left Bill with any free time, but he loved to jog. Bill logged thousands of miles and several Chicago Marathons, and in the process, went through countless pairs of shoes. He balanced his rigorous running schedule with another favorite pastime: going out to eat. Bill enjoyed eating at various restaurants, especially if they served a good steak, cooked medium rare and a baked potato with sour cream, on the side. Bill was also a self-taught artist and expressed his talent through various mediums. He loved his children dearly and cherished Russetta, the love of his life. No man could have been happier than Bill when he was surrounded by his wonderful family and good friends. He is survived by his loving wife of almost 39 years, Russetta Rauch; six children: Christine (Jeff) Reams, Cheryl (Dennis) Kinsey, William David Rauch, Matt (Mary) Rauch, Michelle (John Peter Leonraj) Rauch and Douglass Rauch; eleven grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; many nieces, nephews and a close family of friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, three siblings: Nancy Wilson, John Robert Rauch and David Rauch. Visitation will be 9:30-10:30 a.m., with a memorial service to follow at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, September 23, 2017 at the Wesley United Methodist Church of Naperville, 21 E Franklin Ave, Naperville, IL 60540. Rev. Jean Holmes will officiate. Interment of his cremated remains will follow on Tuesday, October 10, 2017 at Kaneville Cemetery, Kaneville, IL. In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established in Bill’s name. Checks may be made to the “William Rauch Memorial” and mailed in care of P.O. Box 66, Elburn, 60119. Tributes may also be forwarded to the same address, the Conley Funeral Home Facebook Page, or at www.conleycare.com where you can also see his full life story.

Memorial service to follow at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, September 23, 2017 at the Wesley United Methodist Church of Naperville, 21 E Franklin Ave, Naperville, IL 60540

Visitation will be 9:30-10:30 a.m. Saturday, September 23, 2017 at the Wesley United Methodist Church of Naperville, 21 E Franklin Ave, Naperville, IL 60540. Rev. Jean Holmes will officiate.

Interment of his cremated remains will follow on Tuesday, October 10, 2017 at 10:30am at Kaneville Cemetery, Kaneville, IL.