Lew Rauch passed away on November 18, 2022. He wrote the following:

I have the fortunate opportunity to write my own obituary prior to my death.

I have had a wonderful life and leave behind with great sadness my wonderful wife Carol of 45 years who has been by my side and always believed in me. I also leave behind my loving daughter Stephanie Hesser and her husband Tyler and their children Henry and Haley and my brother Rodney Rauch and his wife Brenda.

I was the oldest son of 2 children born to Howard and Loretta (Fabro) Rauch of Billings, MO. Shortly after graduating from Billings High School in 1966, I left the family farm and joined the Missouri National Guard. I remained in the guard until retirement as a Chief Warrant Officer (CW2). In order to assist government regulated companies I completed a Doctor of Science program structured to comply with government calibration, environmental and health regulations. I maintain 6 Federal, State or professional licenses.

I would like to thank the following federal and state agencies that issued me a license to provide a compliance service: Federal Communication Commission (FCC), US Nuclear Regulatory Agency (NRC), US Department of Defense (DOD), State of Missouri Department of Health Recognized Qualified Expert in Radiation Safety, National Environmental Health Association Registered Environmental Health Specialist/Registered Sanitarian (REHS/RS) and the International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (ILAC-MRA) and Signatories.

I would also like to thank various manufacturing and environmental companies that have allowed me to provide a calibration and environmental compliance service the past 40 years. I would especially like to thank Diversified Plastics Corp., Loren Cook Company, Positronic Industries, Springfield Marine Company, Springfield Remanufacturing Companies, Paul Mueller Company and the Missouri National Guard that trusted my professional opinion.

I would like to request a favor: in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Billings MO High School Scholarship Fund, care of the Community Foundation of the Ozarks. The trust founded by Lew and Carol Rauch is intended for high school graduates who like me just needed vocational skills and ambition to achieve success.

Memorial Mass will be held at 10:30 AM on Friday, December 2, 2022 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. A Reception will follow at the church.