Mark Timothy Rausch, of Prior Lake, passed away unexpectedly on April 13, 2016 at the age of 51. A gathering of family and friends will be held on Sunday, April 17, 2016 from 2:00 – 5:00 PM at Ballard-Sunder Funeral & Cremation in Prior Lake. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, April 18, 2016 at 11:00 AM with visitation one-hour prior at St. Michael Catholic Church in Prior Lake. Father Tom Walker will preside, and pallbearers will be Vince Birdsley, Keith Elliott, Joe Krammer, Dan Johnson, Dan McCulla, John Rausch, Dalton Ward. Mark will be laid to rest at St. Michael Catholic Cemetery in Prior Lake.
On August 4, 1964, Vernon Rausch and Kaye Timmers welcomed Mark Timothy Rausch into the world. Mark loved growing up with his siblings, John, Mary and Annie. Even at a young age, Mark was very self-sufficient. He was known to fill his bottle with milk when he was thirsty and even cooked eggs for himself when he was just four years old. This self-reliance and determination followed Mark throughout his life.
In high school, Mark was an exceptional athlete. He was a member of the Gymnastics, Hockey and Tennis teams. Mark’s competitive spirit led all of these teams to champion records. Following high school, Mark attended the University of St. Thomas. He earned a degree in International Business and minored in Spanish. During his tenure at St. Thomas he had the opportunity to study abroad in Mexico and Peru. This sparked a lifelong love for travel.
After graduating from St. Thomas, Mark began working in sales and got a job at Rosemount Inc. Mark loved working in international business, because it gave him the opportunity to travel for work. Mark was an entrepreneur at heart and was always finding opportunities to better himself professionally. Throughout the years Mark worked for Anchor Printing, Chaska and Edina Chambers of Commerce, AT&T and James Hardie. He was currently employed at Icynene as a Dealer Development Manager
Mark was always very determined and worked hard to get what he wanted both in his professional and personal life. In high school, he set his sights on a beautiful, young girl named Joan Hammer. Mark was also very wise, and never rushed into anything. Mark chased Joan for three years, then dated her for another nine years before proposing. Mark and Joan finally exchanged wedding vows on October 7, 1989.
They eventually settled in Prior Lake to raise their family. Mark and Joan were blessed with two wonderful daughters, Ellen and Lauren. They were truly the apple of Mark’s eye, and he loved spending time with all of his girls. Mark coached Ellen and Lauren’s hockey teams and even participated in the Dads & Dollz dance performance. Mark and Joan took their girls on many wonderful vacations. They visited lots of great places, but their recent Spring Break trip to Jamaica will always hold a special place in Joan, Ellen and Lauren’s hearts.
Mark was an active member of the community and enjoyed volunteering his time to coach local teams. Mark also enjoyed playing for the church softball league. In his spare time, Mark loved to golf, fish, hunt, water ski, snowmobile, downhill and cross-county ski, travel, and attend Gopher hockey games. Mark had many hobbies, but nothing compared to spending time with his family and friends.
He was a kind and generous man who greeted everyone with a smile. Mark will be deeply missed and remembered always by his loving wife, Joan; daughters, Ellen and Lauren; mother, Kaye Timmers; siblings, John (Teresa) Rausch, Mary Rausch, Annie (David) Brown;Rausch nephews, Angelo Brown, Dalton Ward; other loving relatives and many dear friends. Mark is preceded by his father, Vernon J. Rausch.
The Rausch family is served with honor, care and compassion by Ballard-Sunder Funeral & Cremation.
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Rob Kerber
Joan and Family,
I was shocked when Annie told me about Mark. I have been thinking about you and your family all evening. I am so sorry for your loss. Please accept my deepest condolences. Let me know if there’s anything I can do for you.
Elvin family
Dear Rausch family,
You are in our thoughts and prayers and we continue to pray for you. May you eventually find peace and comfort in the many memories that you have shared. Much love to you all.
Amy Sandoval
Cousin Joan and Family,
So sorry to hear the passing of Mark. I have been thinking of you and the girls non-stop. My Thoughts and Prayers are with you along with my deepest sympathy.
Scott King
Joan,
My heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Please stay strong in the days ahead, and know how much Mark was respected and liked by those who knew him. … a great man.
Tom Huntington
Dear Joan and Family;
On behalf of the Prior Lake Girls High School hockey family, we are all thinking of you. Mark was a big part of our youth family with his willingness to help coach and mold so many young lives. We will miss him as part of our team. We hope to help you in anyway we can.
Our prayers and thoughts are with you.
God Bless
The Huntingtons and the BLC Boosters
karen sher
Dear Joan, Ellen, & Lauren,
My heart is heavy as I learn of this sad news. Please know we are here for you and are keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers. With our sincere and deepest sympathy
God Bless
Karen, Jim, George, & Joseph Sher
Micheal La Velle / Scott Seeley
Joan and Girls,
We are saddened by your Great Loss…What a fine man Mark was, he will be deeply missed. Mark, you and your family have been an intricate part of our Community, and hope that we have shared our gratitude for your roles. May the Good Lord, keep you all close during this time, and always…and may your loving and cherished memories help to console you.
With heavy Hearts,
Love and God Bless,
Mike and Scott
Ben Gerber
Joan,
I am very sorry for your loss. I was shocked when I heard the news. It has been a tough few years for many members of the MN Chamber family. My thoughts are with you and your girls during this difficult time.
You are in my thoughts,
Ben Gerber
Marla Kramer
Dear Joan and girls,
Our heart, thoughts and deepest prayers go to you. Mark was a blessing in so many lives. His devotion to you three was inspirational. We are so sorry. Marla, Steve and family
Kathy Roberts
Joan and Family:
My heart goes out to you and your family for such a tragic loss.
Blessings to you all~ Hugs,
Kathy Roberts
Dan McCalla
Dear Joan and Family,
We were deeply saddened to hear the news of Mark’s passing. Words cannot express the heartfelt sorrow that we feel for your loss. He was a good man and a great friend. He will be dearly missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Dan McCalla and Family
Jennifer (Haag) Miller
Joan – I’m so sorry to hear about Mark’s passing. I have no words to express how sad I am for your, the girls and the rest of his family. He was a very special person who touched so many lives. He always had a twinkle in his eye and a giggle when you knew he was up to something. I will miss him so much.
Take care,
Jennifer (Haag) Miller
Tim Bell
What shocking news! You are in our thoughts and prayers!
Your Five Hawks “Family”
Carla Jensen
Our deepest sympathies, Joan, Ellen and Lauren. Keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers. Much love to you all.
Peggy Hengen
Dear Joan, Ellen and Lauren,
We are so deeply sorry for this sudden tragedy in your family. My heart goes out to you. I pray that the love and friends and family help carry you. I will be praying for you.
With deepest sympathy,
Peggy Hengen and Family
Susan Duell
Dear Joan and family,
I am so very sorry for your loss. Keeping all of you in my thoughts and prayers.
Susan (Garvey) Duell
Molly Disney
Joan, Ellen and Lauren,
We are so sorry to hear of Mark’s passing so quickly. There are no words to tell you that you are in our prayers and hearts during this time. He was a very special person with quick wit and laughter at the smallest things…taking life with each moment at a time and enjoying it. Our hearts are yours during this time.
The Disney Family
Eri c Bunkers
Joan and Family:
I had the privilege to ride sleds with Mark for the first time last year out west. For the short time I knew him, he made an impact on me, I knew right away he was a good man. I pray that some day you will be able to see a photo of him or think of him and have a smile on your face, I know I will.
Eric Bunkers
Vernon Cox
Joan,
I am so sorry for your loss! Mark truly was a great man who I am glad I had the opportunity to work with. Mark always spoke of you and your daughters in the highest reguard.
I am saddened by his untimely departure and I wish you and your family all the best.
Please let me know if there is anything we can do to help.
Vernon Cox
Tracy Hiebert
Joan and family,
Our words cannot express our deepest sympathies for you! We can only turn to God’s Word – “The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in Spirit.” Our prayers are with you all, and will continue to be in the difficult days ahead!
Tom and Tracy Hiebert and family
Mike and Amanda Franklin
Joan, Ellen and Lauren:
We are so very sorry for your loss. It’s not fair. We ache for you. And we will pray for you.
May Mark’s memory be a blessing to each of you. May all of us left behind lift you up. And, may your faith be as strong as possible to help you through this.
Gary and Becky Braun
So sad. Mark was such a good guy. He will be so missed. My heart is broken for Joan and family.
Colleen Krammer Elvin & Bill Elvin
Joan and girls, we are so sorry! Know that we are thinking of you and wish you Peace.
Toni, Cory & Jack Tamm
Joan, Ellen & Lauren,
There are no words to express how sad we are for you. Mark will always be thought of as a great spirit, a bright smile, a firm handshake and a warm hug. If there is anything we can ever do please let us know.
Much Peace & love,
Toni, Cory & Jack
Kim Yolitz
Joan,
As a “newer” member of the MN Chamber, I only know you, I have never met Mark. Still, I am saddened by this news and have thought about you and your family quite often these days. In the coming days and months, I pray for calm and peace for you. You are surrounded by love and support and that, along with your own personal strength (I’ve seen it!), will help you get yourself and your daughters through this journey.
Terry Hork
Joan,
I am so sorry to hear about the passing of your husband. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Terry Hork
Karen Lonergan
Joan,
I am so sorry to hear about your husband. What a terrible loss. We are thinking about you and the girls.
Robin Nawrocki
Joan, Ellen and Lauren –
Our deepest sympathies. May God provide peace to your aching hearts during this difficult time. We will keep you and the entire family in our prayers.
Blessings
Robin Nawrocki & family
Ed Steinwart
I am so sorry for your loss. Mark was a joy to work with as he was always positive and ready to help. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time of grief.
Greg Dahl
Joan, Ellen and Lauren,
We are so shocked and sad to hear about Mark’s passing and have you all in our prayers.
The Dahl’s
Jeff DeYoung
Joan & Family
Our thoughts and prayers to you and your family on the sudden loss of your husband. Joan, please let us know if there is anything we can do. We are so sorry for your loss.
God Bless
Richard Quandt
Joan, Ellen, Lauren,
That wonderful smile and positive ATTITUDE will be dearly missed by all. I worked with Mark some years ago and ran into him this past fall in IA – we had a wonderful last chat. Deepest sympathies to you and all family members.
Richard Quandt
The Krammer Family
No words can express how shocked and saddened we are. How fortunate and blessed we are to have such amazing memories of our time together. We’ll always remember Mark for his great laugh, big hugs, zest for life and the love and pride he had for his family. He will truly be missed.
Scott Striggow
Joan, Ellen, Lauren,
Sincere and deepest sympathies for this sudden loss of Mark.
I have had the pleasure of working with him for the last couple of years. He was such an honorable and caring man for anyone he came in contact with.
Thoughts and continued prayers to you and all your family during this difficult time.
Scott Striggow
Bill Rausch
I’m so sorry to hear this. Mark was a sweetheart of a guy, always with a ready smile.
Sharon Williams
Joan, Lauren and Ellen, Our deepest sympathy goes out to all of you and your family at this difficult time. Mark was a wonderful man and will be greatly missed. Your neighbors, Larry and Sharon Williams
Kevin, Jane & Mary
Our Thoughts and Prayers go out to the Rausch family. We are blessed to have know Mark over the years. He was very passionate about his family and that showed in all of your smiles. May the Lord comfort your family.
Love,
The O’Neils
Dan & Cindy Johnson
Joan, Ellen & Lauren,
So sorry to hear about Mark. We will cherish the many memories & always remember his smile!
Our thoughts & prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Kelly Flahave
Joan, Ellen and Lauren,
I am so sorry to hear of your loss and send my deepest condolences. I will keep you all in my thoughts & prayers.
Kelly Flahave
Madden’s Resort
Matt Enfield
Dear Rausch family,
So sorry for your loss. I really enjoyed working with, and becomeing friends with Mark over the last 10 years. Mark was a great person and will be missed by all who knew him.
Matt Enfield
Barb (Erickson) Everson
Dear Joan and Family,
I am so sad to hear the shocking news of Mark’s passing. I have many fond memories from times in the River Hills neighborhood. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.
Evenson Family (Brad, Lisa, Bobbe & Annika)
There are no words to truly express how sorry we are about Marks passing. He was an amazing man and we feel blessed to have had the opportunity to have known him, even for a short while. Bobbe spoke so highly of coach Mark and continues to sing his praise. It was an honor for Brad to have been fortunate to coach side by side with him this past season. He will be deeply missed and forever in the hearts of those he has touched.
Linda Pizinger
Raush family, I am Veronica Wolfe’s Aunt Linda, I had the pleasure of meeting Mark and Joan at a hockey tournament in Duluth two years ago. I was with Veronica and her Mom, my sister, Lisa. I want to extend my sympathy to your entire family. Veronica spoke so highly of Mark as a coach and a person. He was a good man and touched many lives. Prayers for all of you at this very sad time
Andrea Schumacher
Joan, Ellen and Lauren,
We were very saddened to hear news of Mark’s passing. He was such a great guy and will always be remembered as part of our Prior Lake hockey family- coach, hockey Dad, Laker fan. He will be greatly missed.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you,
Schumacher Family
James & Liz Michka and Family
Dear Joan, Ellen and Lauren,
We are so sorry for your loss!
You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Gwynne Bobich
Dear Joan and Family,
We are so sorry to hear about the loss of Mark. You are all in our thoughts and prayers for fond memories that will help during this sad time for you all.
Love & Prayers,
Gwynne & Fred Bobich
Lisa Craig
Joan, Ellen and Lauren,
I know there are no words that can heal your pain at this time, but please know we are thinking of you guys in this time of sorrow. Sending big huge hugs!! Please Please let us know if there is anything we can do.
Love and Prayers
Wayne, Lisa, Tyler and Ryan Craig
Denise Melander
Dear Joan –
Thinking of all of you & praying you are comforted as God holds you in the palms of his hands.
Blessings – Denise (Qualley) Melander
Pam Winfield
Joan, Ellen and Lauren,
You have been in my thoughts and prayers nonstop. I am so sorry for the three of you. Your Dad was a wonderful man and so proud of his girls! I lost my Dad in the very same way when he was 55, so I do know what you are going through.
Many prayers!
Vicki Sture
Joan. I’m so sorry to hear about Mark. I feel lucky to have known him from years ago when he volunteered at TwinWest. Thinking of you and your girls during this difficult time.
Hugs to you
Vicki Stute
Karen Buckner
Dear John, Teresa, and the entire Rausch Family,
My heart goes out to you in your loss. May you gather together in loving remembrance of Mark, and may God’s love and support be with you now and in the days and weeks ahead. I will be praying for you.
Nicole Walter
Joan, Ellen and Lauren,
Our deepest condolences for your loss. Mark will be missed dearly by the community and the girls hockey association. Ellen and Lauren, I hope you know how proud your father was of the both of you and the great young women you’ve grown into. There was rarely a conversation with him that didn’t include the two of girls. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you.
Jay and Nicole Walter
Garcia family ❤️
Annie and Rausch family, we hope that your grief is brief and that your thoughts are flooded with happy memories to be carried forever. “If ever there comes a day we can’t be together, hold me in your heart And I’ll live there forever.”
Marianne Erickson
My deepest sympathy to the entire Rausch family. I always saw Mark with the big smile on his face even when he was a tiny boy growing up in River Hills. Many good memories of the kids all playing together. I am so sorry for your loss.
Theresa White
White Family in St Cloud,
Extremely sad to hear the news. From your family friends. Spending time with all of you in St Cloud. And at your grandparents cabin.
Randy Scott and the Icynene team
Joan and family,
I and everyone at Icynene are truly saddened by the sudden loss of Mark. He was a great friend and co-worker who approached his work and life in general with passion and a positive attitude. He will be greatly missed by our team. Deepest sympathies go out to you during this difficult time. You are in all of our prayers.
Brian McCalla
My deepest sympathy to Kaye, John, Mary, Annie and Joan. I knew Mark growing up and bumped into him from time to time when living in Minnesota. He was a heck of a guy and a great friend to my brother. Rest in peace.
Mary Kay Delvo
Joan, Ellen and Lauren,
My heart is heavy as I share my condolences with your family.
The Rausch Family Story was altered in an unimaginable way this past week. With Mark’s unfair and early exit, your family story has been left absent of one of its principle characters. In our heads we know that all stories, even the ones we love, must eventually come to an end. In our hearts, continuing the story without them is unimaginable. It is my prayer that someday your family will be able to take comfort in those stories, as they are yours forever.
Mary Kay Delvo
Michelle Jacobs
Joan,
I am so sorry to hear about Mark’s passing. Please know that you and the girls are in my thoughts and prayers.
craig Pellin
Joan,
Vicki and I were absolutely heartbroken when we heard the very sad news. We have fantastic memories of Mark and his infectious smile and warm laugh. We pray for your peace and comfort during this very difficult time. May God lay peace and comfort over you and your girls. We will keep you in our prayers.
Craig and Vicki Pellin
Michael Schepers
Joan,
I’m so sorry for your great loss. Mark was the first salesperson we hired at Anchor Printing. He was a delightful young man and one of the most professional and ethical people I have ever dealt with. His positive attitude uplifted everyone he came in contact with. Wishing you and your daughters peace in this difficult time.
Michael Schepers
the Nord family
Dearest Joan, Ellen & Lauren,
We are lifting you up in our thoughts and prayers! please let us know if you need anything – Ani & Mari would love to help in any way…just give us a call.
Emerson Family
Joan, Ellen and Lauren,
So sorry to hear this sad news. You all are in our thoughts and prayers.
Randy, Dawn, Bren, Brody and Max
Tom Laing
Dear Joan and Family:
I was shocked and saddened to learn of Marks passing. May the Good Lord’s Love support and sustain you in this challenging time. May Marks love and compassion remain a happy memory, always. For some background, Marks family and my family became acquainted when we lived next door to each other on Ford Parkway in St. Paul, shortly before Mark was born. I’ll need to comb the picture archive for some images of Mark at one of our birthday parties. I am his brother John’s age. My sister, Catherine, is Mary’s age. After that, well, the Laings could not keep up with the Rausches. My mom and Marks mom have always kept in touch over the years. Mark will forever be imprinted on my mind as a curly-headed kid who showed up to visit freshman year at St. John’s. All who met them could not believe Mark and John were brothers. Recently, however, their hairstyles became more similar. Take care, knowing family and friends and faith are there to support you in this time.
Tom Laing and family, Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
Rosie Brown
Joan,
I’m so sorry for your loss. My heart goes out to you and your girls. I will hold you all in prayer.
Sandra Warfield
Joan and girls,
We are so saddened to hear this news. And so sorry we weren’t able to attend his celebration today. You are all in our prayers constantly. We’re thinking of you all.
Bob Mundt
My sincere and heartfelt sorrow for you and your family Joan. Know that you are in our hearts and prayers during these difficult times.
Bob Mundt
Council Bluffs, IA
Randy Reinke
Joan, you have my most heartfelt sympathy for the loss of your husband. Words cannot express such sorrow, but I pray you will find peace in the strength of your faith, family and life-long memories. Thinking of you and your family.
DeAnne Shea
Joan,
My heart goes out to you and your girls. So sorry for your tremendous loss. I will continue to hold you and your family in my prayers. I pray that God will fill you with strength and peace and your faith will sustain you in the days ahead. May you and your girls find comfort in all the beautiful memories. God’s peace and blessings to you.
DeAnne
Sandy Shannon
John,
Please accept my sincerest condolences . I didn’t know Mark, but to lose a brother at the young age of just 51 must have all of you in a state of shock. I am so so sorry for your loss and pray that the support that you receive within your family and that of friends will comfort you during this most difficult time.
Sandy Shannon
Eric Koegel
John, Mary, Annie and Kaye:
Just saw this today, and was shocked and saddened to hear of Mark’s passing. I will always remember him as a happy and welcoming individual. My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this time.
Eric Koegel
Sean Broderick
Ellen, Lauren, and Joan-
I got to know Mark our in the first couple of days on 4th floor of Ireland Hall our freshman year at St Thomas. One could hear his laugh all the way down the hall, and he had such a fun and positive attitude.
Am disappointed not to have stayed in touch, but it sounds as though he was a terrific father and husband, and a great friend to everyone . It is a tough time. He will always be around you, and us.
Will keep you in our prayers.
Sean Broderick
Bob Blons
Joan,
I was saddened and shocked to learn of Mark’s unexpected passing last year, cried, and mostly kept it to myself. Being the same age, also with two daughters, I think it hit home a little hard. I can’t imagine what you went, and what you’re still going through. A close Uncle of mine just passed away this week and I though to search for this sight.
I won’t forget my high school years with Mark, and my prayers will continue for your family.