Melvin Rausch, age 91, of Fort Atkinson, Iowa, passed away on Saturday, April 18, 2026, at Wellington Place in Decorah, Iowa.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, at St. John’s Catholic Church, 201 Oak Street, Fort Atkinson, Iowa, with Rev. Nicholas Radloff presiding. Burial will be in the church cemetery following the service.

Visitation will be from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Monday, April 27, 2026, at St. John’s Catholic Church, 201 Oak Street, Fort Atkinson, IA. Also, from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the service at the church on Tuesday morning.

In lieu of flowers, memorials and donations can be made out to the family of Melvin Rausch.

Melvin Benjamin Rausch, 91, of Fort Atkinson, Iowa, passed away unexpectedly on April 18, 2026, at Wellington Nursing Home. He had been a resident there since his discharge from Mayo Clinic Hospital following an automobile accident that claimed the life of his beloved wife, Mary Helen (Hageman) Rausch. A gentle man of deep faith, boundless compassion, and steadfast purpose, he was a quiet partner—always there for his family, community, and church. He will be deeply missed by all who were blessed to know him and to witness his remarkable memory.

Born on May 11, 1934, the only child of Otto and Regina (Moudry) Rausch, he grew up on the family’s century-old family farm just outside Fort Atkinson. On June 25, 1956, he married the love of his life, Mary Helen Hageman, after they met at the historic Inwood Ballroom in Spillville. He was warmly welcomed into the large Hageman family, where countless memories were made. For many years, he stood behind the video camera, faithfully recording special family occasions. He and Mary celebrated 69 years of marriage, raising six children and sharing a lifetime of remarkable experiences. His early work life included shoveling coal for the railroad, helping local farmers and working at Fort Atkinson Lumberyard. After their marriage, they lived and worked on the family’s century farm (Mel-Mar Farms). In 2004, they moved to town and built a new home, allowing the next generation to live on the farm. Together, they opened an Amway business in their home and later a storefront in Fort Atkinson, where they built lasting friendships and memories. It was often said that wherever Mary was, he was right beside her.

In later years, he drove for Mihm’s Trucking, hauling livestock, primarily hogs. He attended school through eighth grade and later graduated from NICC in the Farm Implement Mechanics Program. A lifelong learner, he kept up with the news on television, in local papers, and eventually on his iPad, where he read the Cedar Rapids Gazette. He embraced technology, enjoying Facebook, his Aura photo frame, and watching his grandchildren’s and great-grandchildren’s sporting events via Hudl. He especially enjoyed watching Iowa Hawkeye women’s basketball. He never focused on statistics but always knew who was playing, when, where, and who won.

He cherished life’s simple pleasures: watching and feeding birds outside his kitchen window with homemade grape jam; caring for chicks and kittens, often kept in the garage; and planting and tending his vegetable garden. He especially loved homegrown tomatoes and enjoyed a daily cup of homemade tomato juice, which he and Mary faithfully canned together. The two shared a love of cooking and often spent time experimenting with new recipes, and he was well known for his delicious quiche.

A devoted and attentive caretaker, he took great care in preparing Mary’s medications and understood the purpose of each one. He also had a remarkable ability to fix anything in need of repair. He found joy in dancing and listening to polka music, especially the bands of Jim Busta and Mollie B., and attended their local performances whenever he could. One of his favorite songs was “Sioux City Sue” by Gene Autry.

His devotion to service was evident throughout his life. A skilled driver, he navigated countless road trips for family vacations, church events, American Legion Auxiliary conventions, and Amway business trips to Grand Rapids, Michigan, as well as visits to the Chicago home office of the National Catholic Society of Foresters (1891 Financial). He spent many years supporting 4-H, hauling cattle, chickens, and rabbits to local and state fairs.

He traveled throughout much of the United States, with a memorable highlight trip to Hawaii, and visited several countries, including Rome. He served as President of St. Mary’s Court #653 and Fort Atkinson Court #675, and he and Mary faithfully cared for the flags and flagpoles at St. John Cemetery. He was also an avid card player—especially Spades and buck euchre. He played Swoop, Sevens, Hearts, and 500, and recently learned Pepper and Up the River—quickly mastering both. Known for his grace at the card table, no matter how poor the hand he was dealt, he never complained and was always eager to learn something new. For him, playing cards wasn’t just about the game—it was about bringing people together to share stories, memories, and homemade wine. 

He is survived by his children: Linda (Noel) Frana, Lois (Dean) Humpal, Dale (friend Kristin) Rausch, Dan Rausch, and Derek (Casey) Rausch. Grandchildren: Brian (Jennifer) Frana, Marty (Marissa) Frana, Aaron Frana, Chanda Humpal, Nicole (Steve) Sprague, DeAnn (Chris) Constantine, Josh (Alyssa) Humpal, Jordan (Hannah) Humpal, Jake (Kaitlyn) Humpal, Staci (Jerome) Koob, Jessica (Matt) Fischer, Kristin (Jordan) Nolte, Brooks Milbrandt, Ben (Kris) Rausch, Mike (Amber) Rausch, Madelyn Rausch, Allie (Chance) Johnson, Kaci, Jayden, Kinzey, and Kortlynn Rausch. Great-grandchildren: Kael, Taylor, Adam, and Ellie Frana; Lily, Emma, Owen, Stella, Calvin, Ella, and Annie Humpal; Camryn and Evan Sprague; Hartley and Dominic Constantine; Clayton and Owen Koob; Hudson, Maddux, and Nixon Nolte; Kaden Fischer; Lena, Theo, Jeremiah, Rosella, Delaney, and Bellamy Rausch. In-laws: Bernice Hackman, Dorothy Schmitt, Theresa Cunitz, Alma Meyer, Joan Schissel, Alice Hageman, and Louise Hageman. He is also survived by many beloved nieces and nephews whose calls, cards, and visits brought him great joy during his time at Wellington.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Helen (Hageman) Rausch; their daughter, Lori Milbrandt; his parents, Otto and Regina Rausch; his parents-in-law, Ignatius and Elizabeth Hageman; siblings-in-law Urban, Leon (Jean), Alfred, and LaVerne Hageman; and brothers-in-law Alvin Hackman, Lee Schissel, Peter Meyer, Robert Cunitz, and Elmer Schmitt.

A Life Well Lived

Following the tragic accident in October, he faced a long and difficult road to recovery. Confronted with overwhelming physical challenges and an uncertain future, he met every obstacle with his signature quiet resolve. To the amazement of his medical team and the joy of his family, he defied expectations and found the strength to walk again. His journey back to his feet was a powerful testament to his unyielding spirit and his lifelong habit of facing life’s hardest moments with grace and grit. Seeing him walk again wasn’t just a medical victory—it was proof of a spirit that refused to be broken.