Leo Emmett Rasch

Leo Emmett Rasch, age 98, of Conklin, entered eternal life on Saturday, May 4, 2024 at home with his family. Surviving are his beloved bride of 71 years, Patricia (Greiner) Rasch, children Brenda (Nate) Long, Ruth (Jerry) Stephens, Bruce Rasch (Peggy Rekucki), Joe (Mary) Rasch, Vonnie (Jim) O’Connor, Marie Rasch, Marilyn (Mark) Zemaitis, and Lisa (Andy) Sack; 27 grandchildren; 31 great-grandchildren; sisters-in-law Bev Rasch and Sr. Yvonne Greiner, OP; brother-in-law Gerald “Bud” Greiner, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents Robert and Elizabeth Rasch and brothers Herm, Frank, Bill, and Gene. Faith, Family, Friends and the Farm were most important to Leo. He was an active member as a lifelong parishioner of St. Joseph Wright. Leo’s faithful service in the Navy during World War II (1943-1946) led to his frequent prayers for peace and the Rosary. On November 27, 1952, he married the love of his life, Pat, at St. Joseph Weare, in Hart, MI. His greatest legacy was his ever-growing family. He was especially proud of the hard work in their wide variety of professions including three religious, Fr. Michael O’Connor LC, Fr. Jacob Zemaitis, and Regnum Christi consecrated woman Carrie O’Connor. He taught his children and grandchildren the dignity of work but also the importance of a sense of humor and having fun. Leo and Pat shared many special memories at their home, their cottage on Pickerel Lake in Newaygo, and their winter home in Florida. Leo remained engaged in his friendships from many walks of life. He lived and farmed on “The Ridge” his entire life, managed Rasch Brothers Apple Storage, and served on several agricultural committees and the Wright Township Board. Leo will be remembered for his generosity, work ethic, and integrity. On Thursday, May 9, 2024 a Rosary will be prayed at 10:30am followed by the Mass of Christian Burial celebrated at 11:00am at St. Joseph Catholic Church Wright, 18760 8th Ave, Conklin, interment at the parish cemetery immediately following, with Fr. Michael O’Connor LC, Fr. Jacob Zemaitis, and Fr. Andrew Ayers presiding. The family will receive visitors Wednesday May 8, 2024 from 4:00 to 7:00 pm at the Arsulowicz Brothers Remembrance Chapel, 3525 Remembrance Rd N.W. Walker, MI. The family would like to thank the “Dream Team” and Emmanuel Hospice for their care and compassion. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to offer expressions of sympathy are encouraged to make a memorial contribution to St. Joseph Christian Service, Emmanuel Hospice, or a charity of your choice.

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Leo Emmett Rasch

July 8, 1925 - May 4, 2024