William V. Rausch, 82, Cold Spring

July 19, 1933 - January 28, 2016

Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:00 a.m., Friday, February 5, 2016 at St. Boniface Catholic Church in Cold Spring, MN for William V. Rausch, age 82, who died Thursday at Assumption Home in Cold Spring. Interment will be in the MN State Veterans Cemetery at a later date.

Visitation will be 2 hours prior to mass in the St. Boniface Church Narthex. Arrangements are with Wenner Funeral Home, Cold Spring, MN.

Bill was born in Cold Spring, MN to William B. and Ermalinda T. (Meinz) Rausch. As a young man growing up in Cold Spring, he acquired a nickname and throughout his life, he was commonly referred by friends and family as “Pont”. He served in the U.S. Army from 1953 – 1955. Bill attended St. Cloud State University, St. Johns University and the University of North Dakota, where he obtained a Master’s degree in Physics. Most of his life, he worked as an Engineer or Systems Analyst. Throughout the years, he enjoyed golfing, hunting with his childhood buddies, gardening, photography, and gatherings with friends and family. Bill was an active member and for many years the Adjutant for the American Legion, Post 455. He had a special appreciation for birds and wildlife and always displayed heartfelt compassion and contributed financial support for those in the world who were less fortunate.

Survivors include his loving companion of 15 years, Betty Larson of Cold Spring; children, Mary J. Rausch of Bloomington, MN and Julie M. Severson of San Diego, CA; 2 grandchildren, William and Halle Severson of San Diego, CA; siblings, Alvin, Joan (Hentges), Donald, Bernice (Neuer), Lewis, Phyllis (Eccles), Roger and David; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Fran.