Howard W. Rausch, 71, passed away peacefully at home Tuesday, Nov. 13, 2012, after a brave fight with lung cancer.

He was born June 12, 1941, to Howard and Kathryn Louden Rausch, in Chicago, Ill.

Howard attended schools in Chicago and Lansing, Ill. He retired from Saxon Metal Company in Whiting, Ind. He enjoyed fishing and boating for many years, at the cottage in Monticello, Ind. Howard and his loving wife, Nina, to whom he was married for 46 years, moved from Illinois to North Port, Fla., in 2003.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by his brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Terry and Linda Schuldt, Les and Sharon Schuldt, and Ev Cocallas; nephews and nieces, and their spouses, Steven and Debi and Mark and Jessica Schuldt, Deborah and Anthony Grieb, and Julie and John Hutt; grandnephews, Tyler and Michael; grandnieces, Jessica, Kylie, Alexis, and Taryn; aunt, Clara Mae Peters; and several cousins. Howard was preceded in death by his parents, and his sister, Barbara Cocallas.

His funeral service and burial will be in Lansing. In lieu of flowers, donations would be appreciated to Lakeside Lutheran Church of Venice, Fla., St. John’s Ev. Lutheran Church of Lansing, or a charity of your choice.

Arrangements are by Ewing Funeral Home of Venice.