Posted: Wednesday, June 17, 2009 12:00 am
Aug. 17, 1946 - May 19, 2009
Joseph Rauch, 62, of Idaho, died May 19, 2009, at Capitol Care Center in Boise, Idaho.
A military service will be held at a later date.
He was born in Tacoma, Wash., on Aug. 17, 1946, to Dorothy (nee Togstad) Rauch. He moved to Lebanon in 1963 and graduated from Lebanon Union High School in 1964.
He joined the National Guard in 1964 and transitioned into the U.S. Army. He was a decorated Vietnam veteran, and was honorably discharged after 11 years of service.
Mr. Rauch attended Boise State University, earning an associate in applied science (horticulture) in 1982 and a bachelor of science in criminal justice in 1990.
He worked in the horticulture industry for many years.
Having suffered from Vietnam-related post traumatic stress disorder, he became an advocate and counselor to soldiers with the same condition. He was active in veterans' groups.
He is survived by his daughter Angie (nee Smith) Peterson of Bend; father August Rauch of Scio; sisters Jane Metivier of Danbury, Conn., Mary Gries of Stayton, Patty Clark of Salem and Johanna Rauch of Scio; brothers Mark of Silverton, Jim of Stayton, John of Green River, Wyo., Tom of Spring Valley, Wisc., Matt of Sublimity, Paul of Chantilly, Va., and Fred of Portland; and three granddaughters.
His mother Dorothy Rauch and niece Kayla Rauch died before he did.
Memorial contributions may be made to Helpful Hearts, a nonprofit organization his granddaughters started to help people in need, with a focus on active soldiers and veterans. To donate, visit www.helpfulhearts.org or send a check to 2584 NW Skyline Ranch Rd., Bend OR 97701.