Helen Rauch

Helen L. Rauch, age 89, of Gowen, passed away Thursday, December 8, 2022 at her home. The daughter of George H. & Viola M. (Rentsman) Houck, she was born on January 21, 1933 in Grand Rapids. On June 12, 1953, in Belding, she married Burton J. Rauch and together they raised four children and enjoyed 40 years of marriage until Burton passed away on September 11, 1993. A devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, her life revolved around her family. As her children were growing up, she always had an open door, a snack, or an extra spot at the table for friends and neighbors. In later years, Helen delighted in participating with Eight-Cap's Foster Grandparent program at Baldwin Heights Elementary School in Greenville. She had attended the former Hillcrest Free Methodist Church in Greenville and more recently attended the Oakhill Evangelical Presbyterian Church in Grand Rapids with her son. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Burton J. Rauch; a son, Brian Rauch on June 4, 2020; two daughters-in-law, Debbie (Kosten) Rauch on January 18, 2015, and Teresa (Riker) Rauch on July 25, 2020; two brothers, Herb Houck and Don Houck; and a sister, Nancy Thompson. Surviving are her children, Mary & Tom Steffes of Gowen, Carlton Rauch of Mears, and George Rauch of Gowen; nine grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; one great-great grandchild; a brother, Chuck & Priscilla Houck; and several nieces and nephews. Visitation is from 12-1 p.m. on Thursday, December 15, 2022 at Christiansen's Michigan Cremation & Funeral Care, 511 S. Franklin Street, Greenville, where funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday. The Rev. Jeff Carlson will officiate and burial will take place privately at Spencer Mills Cemetery, Gowen. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Christiansen's Michigan Cremation & Funeral Care, Greenville, 616-754-5638. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Helen Rauch, please visit our flower store.