Russell Raymond Rauterkus

Russell Raymond Rauterkus, third son of Walter Lawrence and Marilyn Catherine (Coenen) Rauterkus was born on June 15, 1955 at Myrtue Medical Hospital Harlan, lowa. Russ grew-up on a farm between Woodbine and Dunlap. Besides riding dirt bikes he liked playing with all his four brothers, sister, and cousins. He had loving memories of his mother baking chocolate cake and serving it warm with a glass of milk for an after school snack. He enjoyed helping his dad farm up until Walt’s retirement. In 1972 he became a Charter Member of the Hill Blazers, a motorcycle club. He graduated from Woodbine Community High School in 1973. Some of his fondest times in High School couldn’t have been worded any better than the quote from his senior yearbook “Football is my favorite sport; but girls are my speciality.” After graduation he started working for Ma Bell as an Information Operator. He decided in 1974 to follow his dream and continue an education toward motorcycle repair service at the college, Pikens Technical College at Aurora, CO. After receiving his certification he moved out to Imperial, NE and worked for a family friend driving a semi. In 1975 he moved back to lowa and became a section hand for The Milwaukee Road.
Russ met his future wife Diana Bradley at the Missouri Valley, IA County Fair in 1971 at the age of 15 and she was 14. He was sweeping the barn sidewalk near his steer and Diana with two other friends were viewing the animals. He offered for them to pet his steer and the love story began. They married on June 3, 1977 in Missouri Valley, IA. In this union they had four children Austin Russell, Sondra Kayleen, Warren Bradley, and Garrett Walter.
During his married life of 47 years, Russ continued to work for The Milwaukee Road until the railroad filed for bankruptcy in 1980, then he worked at a Honda Shop in Denison, lowa. Other companies he worked for were Selecta Masonry, Mormon Seeds, and Triple F Feeds until he found the ultimate job of being a Sales Manager at Jacobs Corporation for 36 years. He continued to be a life time member of the Hill Blazers and served as the Vice President and President in the early to mid 1980’s. In 2005 he became a partial owner/member of the Logan Quarry Corporation. He was actively involved working at the hill climbs and hare scrambles that the Hill Blazers sponsored and held at the Logan Quarry. During his younger years he participated in multiple Enduros. One of his proudest moments was in 1986 he placed 3rd in the C Class at the Stratford Enduro. He still has the trophy to prove it. Including another one of Russ’ accomplishments, in 1994 he earned a Bachelors of Science degree from lowa Western Community College. Throughout his life Russ was an avid donor of blood for the American Red Cross. One of his favorite past times besides going to the monthly Hill Blazers’ meetings to hang out with all his friends, was he also enjoyed joining his neighbors Zach Klaassen and Dave Monson for a beer or three after they mowed their lawns. He was a great family man. He spent his weekends and vacations riding dirt bikes, bicycling, camping, boating, and playing cards with his children. He was very proud of his children and his son-in-law and daughter-in-laws. Russ loved and enjoyed all eight of his grandchildren. He liked playing fun games and treating them with ice cream. His four brothers and sister with their children and his family had multiple vacations through their lifetime. He felt honored to work with Todd Plumb and Vern Nelson.
Any chance he could get to mushroom hunt with his pal Rob Hall they did and it took all day to find a dozen or so. He was definitely in his happy place riding his motorcycle with his friends Rob Rauterkus, Bob Ludwig, and Kenny Mumm. You knew you were liked by Russ if he offered you a beer. He loved life.
Russ passed away on July 30, 2024 in Harlan, IA. He was preceded in death by his father, Walt Rauterkus. Survivors include his wife, Diana (Bradley) Rauterkus of Harlan, IA, son Austin and wife Nina (Chaudhuri) Rauterkus their children Oscar and Ziggy of Brooklyn, NY, daughter Sondra (Rauterkus) and husband Drew Garner their children Scarlett and Bowen of Overland Park, KS, son Warren and his daughter Adeline Rauterkus of San Diego, CA, and son Garrett and wife Brigit (Brahmer) Rauterkus their children Corynne, Raegan, and Maggie of Overland Park, KS, mother Marilyn (Coenen) Rauterkus, brother Jerry and wife Delana Rauterkus their children Jake and wife Nicolette Rauterkus and Josh and wife Jamie Rauterkus, brother Tim Rauterkus, brother Terry and wife Jeannie Rauterkus their children Colt, Rebel, and Wyatt, sister Nancy Rauterkus and daughter Reid and husband Eric Johnson, brother Bill and wife Ann Rauterkus their children Walter and wife Megan Rauterkus and Rachel Rauterkus and fiance Alex Schwartz, mother-in-law Louann (Smith) Schaben, brother-in-law Cal and wife Elaine Bradley children Ryan and wife Kara Bradley their children Mason and Taylor; and Chase Bradley, brother-in-law David and wife Tyla Bradley children Taran Bradley and Dakota Bradley and fiance Alexi Kunert, and many cousins and friends.
An 11:00 AM Mass of Christian Burial was officiated by Rev. Wayne Gubbels and Deacon Jim DeBlauw on Saturday, August 3, 2024 St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Harlan, Iowa. Todd Plumb and Vern Nelson served as honorary casketbearers. Rob Hall, Zach Klaassen, Bob Ludwig, Dave Monson, Kenny Mumm, and Rob Rauterkus served as casketbearers. A burial was held following the service at Harlan Cemetery in Harlan, Iowa.
Pauley Jones Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.