Douglas A. Rausch

August 20, 1952 – December 30, 2023

Douglas A. Rausch entered eternal rest on December 30, 2023, at the age of 71, while in the hospital with his loving wife Susan by his side holding his hand.

Doug was born in New York City. As the son of a U.S. Army Colonel, Doug spent his childhood moving across the country to places that included Alaska (before it was a state!), Arkansas, Alabama, Illinois, and Virginia. After receiving a Bachelor of Science in Finance from The University of Iowa, Doug worked briefly in an Iowa public accounting firm. Unfortunately for the firm, Doug became homesick for family in Virginia and left the firm in the middle of tax season (yes, our professional, devoted, and hardworking Doug left the firm in the middle of a tax season!). He returned to the Washington metropolitan area where he earned the credentials and designations of Certified Public Accountant, Master of Science Taxation, and Certified Financial Planner. Doug was thankful for the dedicated colleagues that he worked with over the years. He considered it an honor to faithfully serve his clients, some for over 40 years.

In his time away from the office, Doug enjoyed traveling (Israel, England, Canada, and Alaska (after it became a state!) were among his favorite destinations), fishing, crabbing, kayaking, observing nature (especially the flowers and the birds - like his mother), spending time at the beach (especially in Florida and South Carolina with family), relaxing in the mountains of North Carolina with family, visiting family in Kentucky (particularly the two adorable grandsons), participating in family gatherings (including exchanging photos) and having crab feasts (and home grilled “Eastern Shore Chicken”) with family and friends on the Eastern Shore. Doug appreciated time relaxing while reading fiction and non-fiction alike (with C.S. Lewis being one of his favorite authors). His morning devotional reading was from “Our Daily Bread”. Over the years, Doug participated in many different local church programs as he sought to deepen his understanding of God. Doug cherished visits to their cottage on Smith Island, where caring people live with a strong sense of community and an unwavering commitment to God & country. Much to his delight, Smith Island offered an abundance of seafood (and Smith Island Cake!).

In addition to the happiness Doug experienced from these adventures, his absolute favorite activity was spending time with family and friends. Doug is survived by his loving wife, Susan Rausch; son Nathaniel Rausch and his wife Shay; brother David Rausch and his wife Heather; sister Diane Rausch-Seng; sister-in-law Sheryl Evans; brother-in-law Marshall Evans; stepsisters C. Melanie Boone, Janet Thomas, Leslie Stoner, and Lori Hefner; grandsons Lukas Rausch and Grayson Rausch; as well as nephews, and nieces.

The family gives heartfelt thanks to all the doctors, nurses and medical teams for their professional care, kindness, encouragement, and patience over the years. Finally, thank you to all the prayer warriors who supported us throughout this journey. God was listening and decided that this time Doug’s healing would be complete and permanent in heaven.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in honor of Douglas A. Rausch to Samaritan’s Purse (samaritanspurse.org) or Tylerton Church (3249 Union Church Road, Tylerton, MD 21866 Smith Island).

Services

Visitation

Saturday

January 13, 2024

12:15 PM to 1:00 PM

Colesville Baptist Church

13100 Andrew Drive, Silver Spring, MD 20904

Funeral

Saturday

January 13, 2024

1:00 PM

Colesville Baptist Church

13100 Andrew Drive, Silver Spring, MD 20904

Interment

Immediately following the funeral

Parklawn Memorial Park

12800 Veirs Mill Road, Rockville, MD 20853