William E Rauh

He was born in Ottowa, Illinois on December 11, 1942 to William Eloid. Rauh and Eulalia Jane Johnston.

Father William left behind a brother, John Rauh, three sisters, Cindy Deggendorf, Jane Miller, Varya Fortier; five nieces, two nephews, two grandnieces, and four grandnephews.

John Rauh’s Memories: Father William Rauh Jr., the eldest of 5 siblings, always had a calling for the Priesthood from the time he was a child. I know he fought this tooth and nail for years. He married at a young age and had one son. Tragically the son died in a car wreck and his wife died of cancer. And still, he fought against his true calling. After working for years at his taxi company in Wichita, he answered the calling in his fifties. Bill lived his life to the fullest and was always filled with joy. Even in his darkest hours, he never lost his faith in God's plan for him. He will be missed by many whose life he touched and by his family that loved him dearly.

Cindy Deggendorf’s Memories: My oldest brother, Father William, though a recluse, was full of cheerfulness, goodwill, and love towards people and had an enthusiasm for life. Bill loved reading – especially, the Catholic mystics and theologians. He was politically aware and discussed politics with a passion. Not only did he love people but he also loved animals. I had not seen him for decades until around 2008 when my daughter, her four young children, and I visited him at Our Lady of Guadalupe chapel. There was instant rapport between him and the children. About a year ago, Bill visited me and my husband on his way to a conference. My husband had never met him. Once again, I was witness to Bill being able to create that same instant rapport with my husband that had occurred with the children. But not to stop with humans! My very large German Shepherd decided he wanted to climb in Bill’s lap! Of course, Bill allowed him to – to the extent that a large dog could fit in his lap! Bill will be very much missed.

Katie Love Mayer’s Memories: Uncle Bill was honest and passionate. His insightful advice that he gave me once many years ago was honest and true. It is my regret that I didn’t share with him how much I appreciated his counsel. His passion for his ministry was inspiring to me. I want to love and help others in a way that he did…with honesty, love, and integrity.