Mary Ann Rausch

Mary Ann Rausch, 91

Albany

May 19, 1925 - Sept. 3, 2016

Mass of Christian Burial celebrating the life of Mary Ann Rausch, 91, Albany, will be at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, September 7, 2016 at Seven Dolors Catholic Church, Albany. Fr. Cletus Connors, OSB will officiate and burial will follow in the parish cemetery. Mary Ann passed away at Mother of Mercy Saturday morning with family at her side. There will be a visitation from 4:00-8:00 PM on Tuesday, September 6, 2016 in the Seven Dolors gathering space and again after 10:00 AM Wednesday until mass begins at the church.

Mary Ann was born May 19, 1925 to Alois and Christina Janssen in Farming. On April 27, 1948, she married Benno Rausch at St. Catherine's in Farming and they welcomed six children into their family. She worked alongside her husband on their farm, hauled milk for about 10 years and was a school bus driver. Mary Ann is considered a pioneer as she was the first female school bus driver for Albany School District, a distinction she was proud of throughout her 19 year career. She also spent around 12 years as a foster mother. Always very social, she was also hospitable, and loved to play cards. Mary Ann knew everyone, how they were related to everyone else, and enjoyed hearing other people's stories. Her sauerkraut with dumplings and refrigerator pickles are favorites of her family and friends. Mary Ann was a member of Seven Dolors Catholic Church and the Christian Mothers.

Mary Ann is survived by her children Al (Kathy) Rausch, Long Prairie; Dorothy (Rev. Al) Fry, Carson City, NV; Doris (Tom) Studniski, Avon; Peter (Sue) Rausch, Grey Eagle; LeRoy (Chris) Rausch, Park Rapids; her 13 grandchildren and 17+ great-grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her husband Benno in 2001, her parents Alois and Christina, her infant son Paul, and her brothers Clemans and Urban Janssen.

Published in the St. Cloud Times on Sept. 5, 2016