David John Rausch

David John Rausch, 81 year old resident of Little Falls, passed away on Thursday, March 19 at the St. Cloud Hospital surrounded with love by family and friends. A gathering to honor David's life will take place on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at 3:00 PM at the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery, just north of Little Falls. Father Patrick Hoeft will officiate the service. We ask all who wish to attend to arrive by 2:45 PM for the ceremony. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made in David and Helen’s name to Our Lady of Lourdes Church. 

David was born on September 17, 1944, in Somerset, England to the late Othmar and Mildred (Strange) and later moved with his family to Little Falls, Minnesota, where he spent much of his life. 

After graduating from Little Falls Community High School, David enlisted in the United States Navy, serving honorably on the USS Lorain from March 14, 1966, until his discharge on January 13, 1968. He was proud of his service and received the National Defense Service Medal during his time in the military. 

Upon returning to Minnesota, David carved out a fulfilling career as a truck driver for South Side Lumber, as well as working with Employment Enterprises and Palmer Bus. On November 15, 1996, he was united in marriage to the love of his life, Helen Marie Ostrander. Together, they made countless memories filled with adventures on their motorcycle, enjoying classic cars, bird watching, fishing at Lake Moses, and cherishing their beloved Shih Tzu dogs. 

David was an active member of his community, participating in the Little Falls West Side Improvement Association and attending Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church. 

David is survived by his devoted wife, Helen Rausch of Little Falls; his children, Jackie (Mike) Sanford of Princeton, Jesse (Amber) Smieja of Oak Grove, Luke Smieja of California, Tess (John) Shipman of Milaca, and Connie (Mike) Olson of Princeton; siblings Janet Sanderson of Little Falls, Duane (Jan Hansmann) Rausch of Little Falls, Jane (Brent Nereson) of Oakdale, and Donald (Christie) Rausch of Elk River; grandchildren, Alyssa Sanford, Austin Sanford, Scott Swanson, Matthew Olson, Adam Shipman, Kimberly Barilla, Micayla Barthel, Coral Jordan, Jaxon Smieja, Olivia Smieja, Scarlett Smieja, and Alayna Smieja,; great grandchildren, Thadlee Swanson, Otto Bittner, Axel Bittner and Lily Bittner.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Othmar and Mildred Rausch. 

David's legacy will be cherished by all who knew him, and he will be missed deeply. 

Emblom Brenny Funeral Service will be assisting the family in honoring his memory and celebrating his remarkable life.