Ralph F. "Rev" Rauch, 85 of Cedar Rapids , died Monday, February 22, 2010 . Inurnment and graveside services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, June 5th, at Czech National Cemetery , where full military honors will be conducted. A time of fellowship will follow immediately at the VFW Post 788. Brosh Chapel in Cedar Rapids is in charge of Ralph's arrangements.

Ralph was born September 28, 1924 in Waverly, the son of Frederick and Amie (Borrum) Rauch. He was raised on a farm that is now Squaw Creek Park . He graduated from Marion High School in 1943. Ralph proudly served his country as Corporal with the U.S. Marine Corp, 1 ^st Division, from 1944 to 1951 where he received the WWII Victory Medal and the Certificate of Honor. Ralph and Mary Louise Vokolek were united in marriage in 1958. He retired from the Cedar Rapids Fire Department after 24 years in 1977. Ralph was a proud member of the VFW Post 788, American Legion 572, and the Marine Corps League. He had a stoic personality that earned him the nickname "Rev" while serving at the Fire Department. However, he also had a quick sense of humor. He was a loving and gentle man that will be dearly missed by all.

Ralph is survived by his sons, Dana (Susan) Rauch of Toddville and Brian (Allyson Frederick) Rauch of Texas; daughters, Cathy "Renai" (Tom) Ray of Mechanicsville and Diedre (Darryl) Edwards of Texas; twelve grandchildren; twenty three great grandchildren, and two great great grandsons.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary, a brother Larry McDonald, and a sister Maxine Boland.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to VFW Post 788 in his name.