Col. Norman F. Rauscher, USAF, ret. Dec. 20, 1934 – May 6,

Norm Rauscher was born and raised in Sublimity, Oregon. He graduated from Oregon State University and was commissioned as an officer in the United States Air Force in 1956. He was on active duty for over 30 years, serving as a squadron and wing commander, and retired as the Vice Commander of the USAF Air Weather Service. He completed post graduate work at the University of Washington (Atmospheric Science) and Auburn University (MBA). He was a distinguished graduate of the USAF War College.

He is survived by his wife, Carol Courtney Rauscher, of Sublimity, Oregon; his son, Gregory of Stayton, Oregon; four grandchildren and three great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his son, Jeffrey Rauscher, and daughter, Leslie Rissberger.

Norm served in many locations during his Air Force career, including France, Vietnam, Alaska, California, Illinois, Alabama, Hawaii, Washington, Texas, Arizona, and South Dakota.

He received many awards and decorations, including the Bronze Star Medal for operations in Vietnam. He was proud that his son, Major Jeff Rauscher, USAF and his grandson Mike Rissberger (as a US Army Green Beret Major) had also received the Bronze Star Medal for their military activities.

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Norm enjoyed all athletics, and was an avid runner and hunter. He particularly enjoyed deer and elk hunting. He often remarked that it was ironic that he was born in the house closest to the center of Sublimity, and after traveling around the world in the USAF, would be buried two blocks from the house in the old school ball field now part of St. Boniface Cemetery.

After retiring from the USAF he worked for the Oregon Department of Transportation as a Senior Project Manager and later as a consultant to ODOT, retiring in 2013. Over the years he served on various board of directors to include the Alaska USA Credit Union, Marion County Rural Advisory Council, president of the Stayton City Council, Secretary of the Interior-appointed Advisory Council for the Opal Creek Scenic Recreation Area, and the Board of Directors for the Santiam Memorial Hospital.

A memorial service is planned for Norm at St. Boniface Catholic Church in Sublimity, on Saturday, June 24 at 10:30 a.m. Burial with military honors will be at St. Boniface Catholic Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, anyone wishing to contribute to Norm’s memory may do so by sending donations to the Ray Rauscher St. Mary’s Scholarship Fund c/o St. Mary’s Catholic School, 1066 N. Sixth St., Stayton, OR 97383.