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.

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