Obituary of Joan Rauch

Joan Rauch nee Williams, 91, formerly of Blue Island and Summit Lake, WI, passed from this life Wednesday, December 23, 2020. Joan was the beloved wife of the late Raymond Rauch, who passed away March 11, 2004. She is the loving mother of Sandy (Bishop Warren) Freiheit, Larry (Larri Lyn) Rauch, John (Marsha) Rauch and Gary (Marge) Rauch, the special mom of Joseph (Edith) Schmitt and the endeared mother-in-law of the late Margaret "Peggy" nee Boza Rauch. Joan is the adored grandmother of Christie (Brian) Mauer, Angie (Tony) Brown, Ramie (Mickey) Wiltgen, Art (Dana) Rauch, John (Andrea) Rauch Jr., Sara (John Watson) Rauch, Andy Rauch, Ashley(Justin Stojkovic) Rauch, Michael Patoska, Mark (Altanzul) Patoska and Matthew Patoska. She is the cherished great grandmother of Kayla, Kaitlyn (Bradley), Brandon, Emma, Jack, John, Joshua, Bryce and Jeromy (Liz) and the proud great great grandmother of Charlie, Mergen, Easton, Henley, Taylen and Dax. Joan was the dear sister of the late Mabry Williams, Dorothea Sutton, MaryEdith DeVine, Lois Benzing, Billie Styaecker and Vera Melcher. She was the devoted friend of many, especially Nancy Metro. Joan leaves many other family members and friends to cherish her memory. Joan was born October 3, 1929 in Blue Island, to the late Beulah nee Akers and Carl Mabry Williams. She was the youngest of seven children. Joan would often share her stories of growing up in Blue Island, attending local schools and making many friends. Especially the late Marilyn Farmer Bohne, whom remained her lifelong friend. She resided in Blue Island for forty-five years, then relocated to Palos Heights and Orland Park for eighteen years. Upon retirement, she made Summit Lake and Antigo, Wisconsin her home for twenty-five years. In 2017, she returned to Illinois to be with her family, living in Crestwood and Orland Park. Joan and Ray were united in marriage on August 14, 1948, at Salem Ev. Lutheran Church of Blue Island. She raised her family on the southside of Blue Island, being a stay at home mom, not only for her children, but for all the children in the neighborhood. Joan had a loving nature and was a true lady in every sense of the word. She enjoyed golf and bowling and was on many leagues in her younger years. For many decades, Joan was a member of two card playing clubs comprised of her high school friends. Joan also liked the beauty of the snow and snowmobiling. The Christmas season was Joan's favorite time of year. She was happiest and full of joy to be with her family, and to share in laughter and love with them. Joan would provide beautiful gifts for everyone, and without doubt a sweater would be among the gifts! She would host the finest of Holiday Parties! The family of Joan would like to thank all who have cared for her at both Alden Estates of Orland Park and Palos Hospice. We know in our hearts that she is watching over us with her famous, beautiful smile and wishing you all a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Funeral services and interment at First Ev. Lutheran Cemetery will be held privately. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Joan's memory to the charity of your choice.