Robert “Bob” Rauch was born October 29,1937 in Lincoln, Nebraska, to Russell and Fern Rauch. Bob loved many things–animals, Husker sports, and cars (as he told it, his coral Volkswagon bug that he drove back home from California was the first of its kind in Lincoln circa 1958). But he loved his family above all else, and especially his beloved wife of 55 years, Cathy. Bob was endlessly positive–even through life’s difficult moments. Every night before bed, he would give Cathy a thumbs up and say: “Tomorrow is going to be a great day.”
Bob grew up in a close-knit family and attended Randolph and Sheridan Elementary Schools, Irving Junior High, and Lincoln High School, graduating with the Class of 1955. Bob cherished his years at Lincoln High, where he made lifelong friends and proudly played on the 1955 State Championship football team. That team, remembered for its heart and grit, was later inducted into both the Lincoln High Athletic Hall of Fame and the Nebraska State Athletic Hall of Fame— honors that Bob never forgot.
In addition to football, Bob spent his high school summers playing American Legion baseball with the Lincoln Optimists. The highlight came in 1955 when the team advanced to the national finals and was flown to Minneapolis—a thrilling adventure for a group of teenagers. They finished as national runners-up after a hard-fought 1–0 loss on a wild pitch, a memory Bob loved retelling throughout his life.
Bob attended the University of Nebraska before pausing his studies to serve his country in the U.S. Navy. He spent almost all of his four years of service in San Diego. Hoping to escape the crowded life aboard an LST (landing ship, tank), he auditioned for the Navy’s newly formed vocal ensemble, The Chanteymen. He earned a coveted place in the group, traveling the country to perform at military events, civic celebrations, and special engagements. Highlights included performing for the King of Greece, appearing at the Beverly Hills Hotel where he met Bob Hope, and singing on The Ed Sullivan Show. These years remained among his fondest memories.
After returning home, Bob completed his degree at Nebraska Wesleyan University and later earned his Master of Education from the University of Northern Colorado. His early career took him to Denver, where he taught special education and touched the lives of many students. He later transitioned into sales with 3M, working in both Denver and San Francisco before returning to Lincoln.
Back in Lincoln, Bob resumed teaching at Prescott Elementary. It was there that he met Catherine Stump, the love of his life. They married and built a joyful, devoted partnership centered on kindness, humor, and a deep commitment to family. Bob was immensely proud to become a father to their daughter, Amy. He eventually returned to sales, where he worked until his retirement in 2002.
Service to others remained at the heart of Bob’s life. He served on the boards of the Capitol Humane Society, Sertoma, and Cedars Home for Children, giving generously his time and talents to causes he believed in. In retirement, he embraced roles at Legacy Retirement Communities and Wyuka Funeral Home and Cemetery, where he found meaning in connecting with families and supporting people through important life moments. His favorite retirement role, however, may have been volunteering as a train conductor at the Lincoln Children’s Zoo—a position that combined his love of children, animals, and friendly conversation.
Family was Bob’s greatest joy. He adored his granddaughters, Annie and Emma, and was a devoted part of their daily lives. He proudly chauffeured them to choir practice, school events, and later to their college jobs as pages at the Nebraska Legislature. Time spent with them—laughing, talking, and simply being present—was one of the great treasures of his life.
Bob was also a lifelong lover of animals, sharing his home with many rescued dogs and cats over the years. His four greyhounds held a particularly special place in his heart. His passion for animals extended to the natural world, and he supported numerous conservation efforts, national parks, and organizations dedicated to protecting wildlife.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister, Karen Harrington, and his brother-in-law Tom Harrington.
Bob is survived by his wife of 55 years Catherine and daughter Amy (Tim) Himes, along with their family who deeply cherished him, including grandchildren Annie, Emma, Tim Jr (Sara), Chris Himes. Additionally, nieces Terri Harrington, Heidi (Rick) Hammond, Abbi (Kurt) Kleinschmidt, and Jenni Harrington (Mike Newton), many great nieces and nephews; brother-in-law Art Blackman and sister-in-law Susan Blackman, their children Art Jr. (Sarah), Jeff (Sue), Lincoln (Lori), Sunny Blackman and their children. Also, sons Richard (Kellie) Dean, Kevin (Sandy) Dean, their children Kacie (Cameron) Simmons and Tyler Dean.
A memorial service to honor Bob will be held at 2:00 p.m. Friday, December 19, 2025, at Wyuka Funeral Home, 3600 “O” Street, Lincoln.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to Lincoln High School Athletics, 2229 J St., Lincoln, NE 68510 or Camp Kitaki, c/o Jason Smith, Executive Director, 14917 East Park Highway, Louisville, NE 68037.
https://secure.qgiv.com/for/ymcacampkitaki/
To view the service live please click the following link: https://www.youtube.com/@wyukafuneralhome1760/streams
So sorry Cathy for your loss. He had an amazing life. Did he play bridge too?
Thanks for reaching out, Laura. Love receiving support from my friends.
What a full life Bob had, leaving a lasting legacy to the community. RIP, Bob. You earned it.
Love you, Maggie.
What a shock! So sorry to hear about Bob’s passing. I had never known his history and it was very interesting to read about such an accomplished man. Thinking of u and all the family members at this difficult time
So good to receive your message. You’ve been on this journey so I know you understand. Gratitude to you and much love.
Miss the best Uncle Ever!
Love you.
I did not know Robert Rauch however, I met Cathi at Prescott School. Knowing her, Bob must have been a great guy, just as she is a great person and teacher. My sincere condolences to the family and may GOD bless each and every one and guide you through this time of grief.
Echoing your thoughts officer ways. Cathi was and is still one of my favorite teachers. I hope your grief is overshadowed with great memories of cherished time together.
Dear Todd: So nice to hear from you. I loved having you as a student. So bright and always so nice. Hearing from longtime friends like you has carried me through this challenging time. I hope all is well with you. Grateful for your message and words of support.
Cathy
Dear John. What a lovely compliment you posted to me, personally and professionally, and our days at Prescott. My family is watching out for me for which I am grateful. But grateful also, hearing from long time friends. You have taken this journey also, you know the challenges. So much appreciate hearing from you. Take care of yourself.
Cathy
Cathy, Amy & family ~ so very sorry to hear of Bob’s passing. I will never forget our best neighbors at Wellington Greens and my first babysitting experience with little Amy.! We left Memorial Stadium after many games walking done 10th together catching up on our families. As many have said, what a life lived fully. Take care & know he is resting well. Ed & Pam (Orcutt)
You were such a sweet neighbor, so kind to my little 7-year-old Amy. I’ve felt gratitude to you always. We have a lot of shared memories, Pam. Always so thoughtful and supportive. Love to you and yours. Cathy and Amy
“Another Lincoln High Job Well Done.”
LINKS definitely understand that connection. Thank you for reaching out.
Cathy
Cathy, so very sorry for your loss!
I appreciate your message, Karen. Thanks for reaching out. I’m making my way with great support from friends and family. I think about you as I watch your successful guys on the court!
Gratitude,
Cathy
Truly heartbroken for all who knew and loved Bob. He was such a special soul, and we are all poorer for his passing. Sending so much love and prayers to Cathy, Amy, and his entire family.
Special indeed he has been over these 55 years. Such a good dad and grandfather, too. I feel your love and warm thoughts, dear friend. All that back to you. You mean a great deal to me, Mary. Gratitude, Cathy
Cathy,
So deeply sorry for your husbsnd passing.
My deepest heartfelt condolences to you and you family.
Take care.
Thanks, Diana. My family and I are doing well, supporting each other. I appreciate so much hearing from old friends like you. With gratitude, Cathy
I had the pleasure to work with Bob at the LRC. Great guy! When he left, he always had me send a newsletter every month so he could then send birthday cards to residents and staff as well- decorated with stickers and containing a personal note too. Cheers to a fellow Link – I’ll miss him.
Gisele, Bob loved his connections to the Legacies. He never failed to remark about the fabulous staff and residents. Thanks so much for reaching out. With gratitude, Cathy
Bob and my lives intertwined many times during the years of our youth. He was a fine fellow and friend. Sorry to hear of his passing.
I found your picture in Bob’s ’55 LINKS. You were baseball buddies. Thanks so much for posting. So good to hear from Bob’s longtime friends. With gratitude, Cathy
Cathy & Amy,
I was saddened to read about Bob. I will always remember your sweet kind family! It was always a pleasure to help you all with your jewelry needs! You will all be in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Shelly and Bill Gauthier
How nice to hear from you, Shelly. I certainly remember our contact with you, always so gracious and fun. Hearing from longtime friends has been so helpful. Gratitude, Cathy
Cathy, Amy and family. I was so saddened to read about Bob. I remember my friend, Cyndy who worked at Wyuka talking about what a great guy he was, and how he was so proud of his daughter Amy. When Cyndy passed away suddenly in Sept. of 2023, I remember seeing Bob at her service. I know from the wonderful posts on social media how much joy he brought your family. We purchased a family bench in Wyuka not too terribly far from Cathy and Bob’s. It is beautiful Cathy, and what a lovely place to be laid to rest. Please accept my condolences and hugs.
Sincerely,
Nancy Stanley
Thank you, Nancy, for this thoughtful remembrance – it helps to hear from the Lincoln community, our long time friends, and family members.
Bob Rauch was one of the good guys and we will miss him forever and ever.
Aunt Cathy, Amy, and family,
My sincere condolences to you. I have great memories of fun times, as a kid, with Uncle Bob. He will be missed.
Your two brothers said the same thing about Bob, both remembering fun times as kids. He would have been pleased to know that. Grateful for your message, Jeff. Aunt Cathy
Dear Cathy,
So sorry for your loss. The obituary is a beautiful tribute to your husband.
Wishing you peace and comfort from all your cherished memories.
Gayle Anderson Masarie
Thank you, Gayle. You’ve taken this journey so I know you understand. I’m grateful for the support and attention from friends and family. Hearing from you means a great deal. With appreciation, Cathy
I heard of Bob’s passing at our American Legion meeting last night. I worked with Bob many years and will always remember the time he came to my rescue when I was caught up a tree that I was trimming on a Saturday morning.
Brendan, so nice to receive your message. Bob enjoyed his longtime friendship with you. You shared tomatoes with us from your garden. Hearing from friends has been a great blessing. With gratitude, Cathy
Peace to all at this sad time of loss🕊️🕯️🙏Sincerely, Carol Meyer 🎹🎵
Thank you, Carol, for acknowledging our loss. With gratitude, Cathy
Cathy, so sorry to hear of Bob’s passing. Lot,s of great comments mean Bob was a very special person.As a life coincidence Nancy and I live in Wellington Greens and our first daughter is an Amy. Frank.
Frank, so nice to hear from you. I remember your Amy. Thanks for your kind words and for being in touch. With gratitude, Cathy
I offer my heartfelt condolences to Cathy and Amy. I’m sorry for the pain you must be feeling. As a fellow animal lover, I’m grateful for Bob’s work rescuing animals and protecting wildlife. I hope you find comfort in all the good he did.
Gerise: Hearing from friends has been a great comfort, friends like you, who do so much good in our community and world. With gratitude, Cathy
Thinking of you Cathy, Amy and Family. Sending good thoughts and hugs from the Ferguson Family. Mom and us girls are so blessed to know you and your family.
Leslie: I adore all of the Fergusons and appreciate hearing from you. We adopted greyhounds because of your mother, who introduced us to her two beautiful dogs. Lots of wonderful connections over the years. Love to you all. With gratitude, Cathy