Allen J. “Sid” Rauh, 78, of Naples, FL, formerly of Metamora, IL, passed away on Friday, February 8, 2019. He was born April 27, 1940 in Spring Valley, IL, the son of Raymond and Elyme (Schlund) Rauh. He is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Kathleen A. (Scheirer) Rauh; his beloved daughters, Mary Lynn (Craig) Roeller of Naples, FL, Michelle (Dale) Mihalo of Addison, IL and Melissa Rauh of Ottawa, IL; cherished grandchildren Thomas Roeller, Jeremy and Lyndsey Mihalo, Haleigh, Brandton, and Caden Eller; great grandchildren, Landon and Lilly Roeller; and many nieces and nephews.
He was also survived by his brother, Glenn (Sharon) Rauh of Metamora, IL. He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, John (Carolyn) Rauh; and a son, Allen Joseph Rauh, Jr. Allen’s parents purchased a local telephone company and moved the family to Metamora, IL, in 1945. Allen, along with his parents and brothers, John and Glenn, with their hard work and dedication, built a well-respected communications company that still serves customers today.
At a very young age, Allen began climbing telephone poles and had the foresight to design the outside telecommunications infrastructure that was the foundation of the company’s future growth. His mechanical ingenuity led him to become the outside Plant Engineer, Vice-President, and Board member for both the Metamora and Marseilles Telephone Companies. He retired from the business after 44 years.
Mr. Rauh was a proud veteran of the U.S. Air Force and lifetime member of American Legion Post 89. He was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Metamora, IL and St. John’s Evangelist Church, Naples, FL, the 3rd and 4th Degree Knights of Columbus, and served 4 years as past District Deputy of the IL State Council. He was also a member of the Metamora Volunteer Fire Department for 25 years, and served 5 years as Chief.
As a well-respected member of the Metamora community, he contributed to many significant projects. Allen enjoyed fishing, camping, and traveling with his wife, family and friends. He also enjoyed building stock cars, which he raced for many years and that led to his love of NASCAR.
Allen and Kathy traveled to many of the races across the country. Allen sacrificed unselfishly and his contagious laugh and compassionate smile will always be remembered. Cremation rites have been accorded.
A Memorial Mass will be celebrated Saturday, February 16, 2019 at 10:00 a.m. at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, 625 111th Ave. N, Naples. A celebration of life will also be held in Metamora, IL on Saturday, May 18, 2019.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to VITAS Healthcare, 4980 Tamiami Trail North, Suite 102, Naples, FL, 34103; Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, www. michaeljfox.org; or American Diabetes Association, www. donations.
diabetes.org. Arrangements are being handled by Shikany’s Bonita Funeral Home. Online condolences at www.
shikanyfuneralhome.com. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Allen Joseph Rauh please visit our Sympathy Store.
If you found any mistakes, or you would like to add/remove to this obituary, please contact us by email: info@obituary.memorial. We never ask money for this.
