Karl J. Rauch

KARL J. RAUCH age 92, beloved husband for 66 years of Mildred R. (nee Schrohe); loving father of Michael (wife Sally), Susan Weininger (husband Daniel), Thomas (wife Valerie), and Robert (wife Linda); devoted grandfather of Jeffrey Rauch, Matthew, Michelle and Nicholas Weininger, Jack, Max and Elly Rauch; cherished son of the late Leonhard and Celestine (nee Schmitt); dearest brother of Leonard (wife Mary Ellen) and the late Betty Malerich and John (wife Donna); treasured brother-in-law of Frank (wife Helen) Schrohe; dear uncle and great-uncle of many; U.S. Army Veteran.

Karl was born on March 17, 1931, in Chicago Heights, Illinois. He dearly loved his siblings, Len, Betty, and John. Karl graduated from Bloom High School in 1949, where he met his future bride, Millie Schrohe. They were the true all American love story, she was a cheerleader, and he was captain of the football team and earned all-conference honors. Karl went on to Iowa State Teachers College in Cedar Falls, Iowa where he was also a standout guard on their football team. He was a member of the 1952 championship team in the NCC and received All Conference Honors. Karl was also a member of the Phi Sigma Epsilon fraternity. After graduating college in 1954 he served in the army for 2 years. On September 21, 1957, he married the love of his life, Millie, and they went on to share 66 years of marriage side by side until Karl died peacefully in his sleep on August 20, 2023. Karl and Millie moved to Cleveland and made Mayfield Village their home in 1968. There is where they would raise their four children, Mike, Sue, Tom, and Bob. In 1971 Karl took a big risk and started his own scrap metal business, Buckeye Metal Company. He worked long hours and was a dedicated and successful businessman. He took immense pride in his company and retired in 2001, when he passed the reigns down to his sons.

He enjoyed gardening and his backyard was the envy of the neighborhood. Karl was also a huge fan of the Indians/Guardians and of course the Cleveland Browns. He was one of the few that actually attended the Browns 1964 Championship Game at Municipal Stadium. Karl especially loved traveling with his wife to Europe six times and spent many happy months at their second home in Hilton Head Island. Karl had 7 grandchildren, Jeff, Matt, Michelle, Nick, Jack, Max, and Elly and he lived to brag about their many accomplishments.

Karl will always be remembered as a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He was truly larger than life… friendly, social, funny, and a great storyteller. His faith was important to him always. His family and friends will cherish all the stories and memories and will deeply miss him.

Contributions may be made in memory of Karl to St. Francis of Assisi Church or Tunnels to Towers www.T2T.org. Cremation by DeJohn Crematory. Relatives and friends are invited to meet for Mass of Christian Burial Friday, August 25, 2023 at 10 AM at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, 6850 Mayfield Rd, Gates Mills. Family will receive friends to pay tribute to and celebrate the life of Karl at THE DeJOHN-FLYNN-MYLOTT FUNERAL HOME OF WILLOUGHBY HILLS, 28890 CHARDON RD. (between Bishop Rd. and Rt. 91) THURSDAY 5-8 PM with Military Honors at 7:30 PM.