Fred R. Rausch

Fred R. Rausch, age 60, of Mason, Ohio passed away peacefully Tuesday, November 21, 2017 surrounded by his loving family at University Hospital, Cincinnati, Ohio.  He was born Saturday, January 26, 1957 in Dayton, Ohio to Courtenay Richard and Emly Ann (nee Ebert) Rausch.

Fred graduated from Northwestern High School in Springfield, Ohio as a member of the class of 1975. He went on to earn his B.S. in Computer Engineering from Wright State University in Dayton, Ohio where he graduated in the Spring of 1980 after putting himself through school.  He was very dedicated to his career after graduation working at Armco, Cornerstone Controls, and Cargill.

While he worked hard and earned the respect of his colleagues, Fred's true passion was music.  Born into a musical family, his mother taught him to play the piano.  This led to other instruments, such as trombone and guitar.  He was active in high school band and marching band. He played bells for church. Additionally, he spent several years directing church choir. Fred also loved to sing...oh, how he loved to sing! Fred was gifted with a beautiful baritone voice that could be heard from a mile away.  His melodic voice contributed to various church choirs, Mason Chorale and the Cincinnati Choral Society.  Friends and coaches would often take advantage of Fred's ability to capture the attention of others with his voice, asking him to sing the National Anthem or make announcements when sound systems were not available.  His children will always get a warm feeling in their hearts when they hear "The Battle Hymn of the Republic" as Fred sang this to them, and his grandchildren, to put them to sleep.

Family was a priority for Fred.  He wanted to be a part of his children's experiences and felt it was always important to share his kindness with their friends.  Growing up, Fred enjoyed spending summers with his family boating on Indian Lake and traveling around the country. This love of family continued into his adult life as Fred would serve as a Den Leader for scouts and would travel all over to see his children participate in their many activities. He loved spending time with family, whether it was woodworking, camping, boating, fishing, playing Euchre, or just spending time together.   Fred's four children would share his love of sports, be it golf, softball, soccer or basketball, and Fred actively and happily supported them in all their endeavors. Education was very important to him, and he spent countless hours helping with homework and projects, from grade school all the way through college. As his children became adults, Fred would welcome their significant others into his family as though they were one of his own. He was and always will be very proud of his children and their families.

Friends were a very important part of his life. Participating on various teams, socializing with neighbors and friends, canoe trips, Reds and Dayton Dragon games, Friday night dinners - if he was able, he was there. He was a loyal and true friend to all who knew him.

His engineering skills would carry through to many facets of his life.  Designing the decks for their homes, he and his family would refine their skills by working together to create beautiful masterpieces.  Need a tool?  Fred had it.  Need something fixed?  Fred could do it. And when he was given the chance to help in some way, the smile on Fred's face would grow.  He will be missed by all who knew and loved him.

Fred was preceded in death by: his parents, Courtenay and Emly Rausch.

Fred is survived by: his loving wife of 35 years, Sharon  (nee Nelson) Rausch; children, Elizabeth "Bethany" (Joshua) Noble, Kristen (Cody) Murphy, Stephen (Cara) Rausch and Caitlin (Jim Bruno) Rausch; granddaughters, Kaylee "Brie" Blevins, Hailey Noble and Lucy Murphy; sister, Emly (Douglas) Dye; nieces, Carolann Dye and Chelby Dye; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Gordon and Norma Nelson; sister-in-law, Deborah Winter; furry companions, Jeffie and Cooper; and many other loving family members and friends.

Visitation will be held Saturday, November 25, 2017 from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Mueller Funeral Home, 6791 Tylersville Road, Mason, Ohio 45040.  Celebration of Life Service will be held Sunday, November 26, 2017 at 2:00 PM officiated by Dr. John Lewis at Mueller Funeral Home, Mason, Ohio.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be directed to: Pancreatic Cancer Action Network or to Cincinnati Choral Society , 6000 Drake Rd. Cincinnati, OH 45243-3308.

Please visit MuellerfuneralS.com to sign online guestbook. 513-398-9100