Lori (Rausch) Milbrandt

Lori (Rausch) Milbrandt, age 49, of Ft. Atkinson, IA, died Tuesday March 15, 2011, at her home after a long battle with cancer. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, March 18, 2011, at St. John’s Catholic Church in Ft. Atkinson, IA, with Father Nick March presiding. Friends may call from 3:00 – 7:00 p.m. on Thursday March 17, 2011, at the Schluter Balik Funeral Home, Chekal Chapel in Ft. Atkinson, IA. There will be a rosary at 4:00 on Thursday afternoon. Friends may also call after 9:30 a.m., at the funeral home on Friday morning. Lori Ann (Rausch) Milbrandt was born on January 2, 1962, the daughter of Melvin and Mary (Hageman) Rausch in Decorah, IA. Lori attended Turkey Valley High School, graduating in 1980. While in school, she participated in softball, volleyball and basketball. She was a very active 4-H member and enjoyed showing her Milking Shorthorn cattle at County and State Fairs. After high school, Lori attended NICC. She married Darrell Milbrandt on July 9, 1983 at St. John’s Catholic Church in Fort Atkinson, IA. They were the parents of four children: Staci, Jessica, Kristin and Brooks; they later divorced. In August of 1999, Lori started working for the Farm Service Agency in Decorah. Lori enjoyed playing cards, wiffle ball and going to all sporting events. Lori’s pride and joy were her family and she dearly loved her grandson, Clayton and babysitting for him. Lori was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Waucoma and the Foresters. Lori is survived by four children: Staci (Jerome) Koob, Oelwein, IA; Jessica, Kristin and Brooks Milbrandt, all of Fort Atkinson, IA. One grandson: Clayton Koob. Her parents: Melvin and Mary Rausch, Ft. Atkinson, IA. Her siblings: Linda (Noel) Frana, Mantorville, MN; Lois (Dean) Humpal, Decorah, IA; Dale Rausch, Fort Atkinson, IA; Dan Rausch, Fort Atkinson, IA; and Derek (Casey) Rausch, Fort Atkinson, IA, along with many nieces, nephews, great nieces & nephews and aunts and uncles. Lori was preceded in death by her grandparents: Ignatius & Elizabeth Hageman and Otto & Regina Rausch.