Henry (Hank) Rauch Jr.

Henry (Hank) Rauch Jr., a resident of Grand Rapids, MI, and former resident of Allen Park, MI, and Atlanta, MI, passed away on Friday, November 17, 2023. He was 89 years old. Hank grew up in Southeast Michigan, with his parents Henry and Bertha and his sister Dorothy (Arnie). Growing up he enjoyed playing baseball and football. His passion for sports extended past High School with Hank playing linebacker for a semipro team in the Detroit area. Hank began his university studies at the University of Detroit, but was drafted into the Army where he served as tank commander in Korea. He returned from his service to begin his long work career as an engineer at Ford Motor Company. Hank was part of many projects at Ford and was especially proud of his work from concept to prototype to completion on the Ford Taurus. He retired from Ford after more than three decades. While at Ford he met his future wife of nearly 65 years, Anna (Ann) Sikina. Hank and Ann raised four children, Karen (a.k.a. KaeAnn), Greg, Chris (Melissa), and Gary (Dawn), in Allen Park, MI, before retiring “Up North” at Canada Creek Ranch, where they built their dream retirement home together. Prior to retirement, Canada Creek was a center point of year-round family recreation, providing camping, hunting, fishing, and interaction with many cousins, nieces, nephews, and other extended family. Hank was an avid bow hunter. His skill in the woods and with a bow earned him membership in the Pope and Young club for a trophy Caribou, as well as countless whitetails, bear, and even a razorback boar. He enjoyed sharing this passion with his sons who spent many hours trapsing the woods together at Canada Creek. Travel was always an important family activity. The Rauch family was seen traversing the country, pulling a camper, while visiting nearly every state the U.S., including a summer-long trip to Alaska. Retirement years found Hank and Ann taking several trips to Europe and Australia, while also being “snowbirds” and enjoying the winter months in Florida and Gulf Shores, Alabama. Hank enjoyed competing in regional and state archery tournaments with Ann and the boys. The love for archery was later shared with golf. Hank and Ann enjoyed league play at their local club, as well as many destination golfing trips with friends. Hank is now together with Ann who passed March 8, 2022 and will be lovingly remembered for his devotion to his marriage, family and faith by his children, and his grandchildren, Samantha, Nick (Ryley), Sydney and William. A Catholic Service celebrating Hank’s life will take place on Friday, December 1st at 11:00am, with visitation from 10:00-11am, at St. Jude Catholic Church, 1120 4 Mile Rd NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49525. The family asks that, in lieu of flowers, a contribution be made to: Guide Dogs for the Blind, P.O. Box 151200, San Rafael, CA 94915. Visit Website: www.guidedogs.com

Tributes

Henry (Hank) Rauch Jr.

February 4, 1934 - November 17, 2023