Patrick Glenn Rausch

Patrick Glenn Rausch, 74, passed away Wednesday, June 19th surrounded by his family.

Patrick Glenn Rausch was born on November 18, 1949, to J. Glenn and Mary V. Rausch in Joplin, Missouri. He attended Griffin High School in Springfield, Illinois, graduating in 1968, and went on to study Computer Engineering at the University of Illinois where he earned his bachelor’s degree in 1972. Shortly thereafter, Patrick moved to Poughkeepsie, New York beginning his 43-year career with IBM which included a 3-year assignment in Copenhagen, Denmark. In the years to follow, Patrick would earn his master’s degree in electrical engineering from Syracuse University.

In 1974, Patrick met Kimberly Bain through mutual friends in Wappingers Falls, New York, and married on October 29, 1977. Patrick and Kimberly always hoped to have a large family and were blessed with 6 beautiful children. Throughout their 46 years of marriage, Patrick and Kimberly loved to travel the world which included an extensive tour of Europe during their three years in Denmark. Once their children had grown, they were able to combine travel and hiking by doing the Camino de Santiago 3 times! Their involvement in their children’s activities, various hobbies, and travels allowed them to meet many people over the years, most of which remain dear friends of Patrick and the family to this day.

Patrick was incredibly family-oriented and always ensured that he was present for all sporting events, plays, and concerts supporting his children’s various aspirations throughout the years. He was a lover of the outdoors and instilled that same passion in his children, taking them camping, biking, and to the beach at any chance he got. He loved spending as much time as possible with his children and grandchildren, always giving his unconditional love and support.

Patrick not only loved his family but also committed a big part of his life to serving his community. He was an active member of the Ulster County BOCES Board and New Paltz School District’s Board of Education serving as president for seven of his sixteen-year tenure. He was a faithful member of St. Joseph’s Church of New Paltz where he volunteered as a member of the church council. In the summers, he would volunteer his time to the Minnewaska State Park Bike Patrol. He was an Eagle Scout and served as scout leader for Boy Scouts of America Troop 26 in Wappingers Falls and Troop 172 in New Paltz.

We will miss his fun-loving and easy-going personality, his love of adventure, and may even miss his frugality (why buy lunch when your favorite RV store passes out free hot dogs?). But most of all, we will miss his contagious laugh, our loving husband, brother, father, and Papa. Patrick is preceded in death by his parents J. Glenn and Mary V. Rausch. He is survived by his loving wife Kim and 6 children: Todd (Carly Atwood) Rausch, Drew (Brittany) Rausch, Kirsten (Michael) Putnam, Kelly (Nicholas) Pavelka, Kara (Kyle) Wellmon, and Travis Rausch. He is also survived by his 10 grandchildren and sisters Glenda Crimaldi and Dr. Susan Rausch, whom he loved very much.

Visitations will be held on July 20th from 8:30 AM to 9:30 AM at Palm Southwest Mortuary, 7979 W. Warm Springs Road, Las Vegas, NV 89113, followed by a funeral mass at 11:00 AM at Christ the King Catholic Church, 4925 S. Torrey Pines Drive, Las Vegas, NV 89118. A memorial service will be held on August 3rd at noon at St Joseph’s Church, 34 S Chestnut Street, New Paltz, NY 12561.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to The Alzheimer’s Association in memory of Patrick in hopes that no other family has to experience the devastating effects of this disease.