Carol Joyce (Nugen) Rausch, 77, of Lafayette, passed away at 10:35 pm on Monday March 27, 2017 at Franciscan Health in Lafayette.
She was born July 25, 1939 in Peoria, IL to the late Wilbern D. and Mildred M. (Finkenbinder) Nugen. She graduated from Pekin High School in 1957. She was a member of the National Honor Society for all four years of high school.
While attending the University of Denver she met Herb Rausch. On June 20, 1959 Carol married Herbert O. Rausch in Pekin, IL. He passed away on June 13, 2002.
Carol taught piano to students from her home for over 30 years., She was very active as a volunteer in the community. She served on the board of directors for Sycamore Springs Girl Scout Council. She was hospice coordinator for Visiting Nurse Home Health Services. She volunteered in the office at University Church for several years. She served on the State Board of Indiana Health Facilities Council as a patient advocate. She was a founding member of the Highland Park Neighborhood Association and for many years wrote the monthly newsletter. She was a lifelong Republican and enjoyed “talking politics” when give the opportunity. She loved sports. Her favorite baseball team was the St. Louis Cardinals. She an ardent fan of Purdue football and basketball.
Carol was an active member of Immanuel United Church of Christ. Additionally, she was involved with the IN-KY Conference of UCC and Merom. She joined the Kappa Delta Sorority in college and maintained a lifelong membership.
Surviving are two daughters, Cathy and Liz Rausch both of Lafayette and a son, Thadd Rausch & partner Debbie Maples of Universal City, TX. Also surviving are two sisters, Cheryl Wegener of Indiana, PA and Camilla Nugen of Peoria, IL. and numerous nieces and nephews. Additionally, she is survived by extend family, friends, and “adopted grandchildren” that she loved to keep up with on Facebook.
She was preceded in death by a sister Kaye Renae Nugen.
A memorial service will be held at Immanuel United Church of Christ. The service will be on April 29th at 11:00 pm. Visitation will be in held one hour prior.
Burial will take place at Bluff City Cemetery in Elgin, IL at a later date.
In lieu of flowers those wishing may contribute in Carol’s name to Immanuel United Church of Christ or the National Alzheimer’s Association.