Johnnie Rauser

Johnnie E. Rauser, 87, Bismarck, died September 14, 2007, at Medcenter One Hospital in Bismarck. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, September 19, at First Baptist Church in Bismarck with Rev. Steve Wisthoff officiating. Burial will follow at Sunset Memorial Gardens. Visitation will he held from 5:00 - 9:00 PM of Tuesday at Parkway Funeral Service, 2330 Tyler Parkway, Bismarck, and will continue on Wednesday one hour prior to the service at the church. Johnnie was born on June 29, 1920, in Mercer, North Dakota, to John and Amelia Knippellberg Rauser. He was educated in the Mercer area and spent his childhood there. He spent four years in the U.S. Army, serving in the Ardennes, Rhineland, and Central Europe Campaigns. He was in the fierce "Battle of the Bulge" in Europe during World War II. After returning from the service, Johnnie worked for Quality Builders Inc. lumberyard for forty years, serving many years as assistant manager. Johnnie married Clara Skagen in February of 1946. They had three sons, Bruce, Greg, and Michael. Clara died in February of 1974. Johnnie married Lorraine Hartmann in 1985. She had three sons and two daughters. He was very active in his church. He loved the Lord and served wherever he could. He was Chaplin for the North Dakota Veterans of the Battle of the Bulge, was a member of the V.F.W., and was a volunteer at the Heritage Center for many years. He enjoyed traveling, fishing, puzzles and crafts, and serving the Lord. He is survived by his wife, Lorraine of Bismarck; his sons, Bruce of Bismarck, Greg Monte of Bismarck, and Michael Mericathryn of Mandan; three grandsons, Matthew, Joey Kristin, and Justin Veronica; two granddaughters, Tovey David Wonnenberg and Kristina Rauser; two great-grandsons; two great-granddaughters; one stepson, Tom Lynda Hartmann; two stepdaughters, Linda Riggs and Nancy Dan Metz; one step-granddaughter; five step-grandsons; and eight step-great-grandchildren. He is also survived by three brothers, Herbert Edna Rauser, Rolland Mary Ann Rauser, and Ernold Aletha Rauser. He was preceded in death by his parents and two stepsons, Timothy and Steven Hartmann. Memorials may be directed to First Baptist Church in Bismarck, or charity of donor's choice.

Johnnie Rauser

June 29, 1920 - September 14, 2007