Kenneth’s Obituary SCARBOROUGH – Kenneth H. Rauschke, 86, of Scarborough passed away peacefully at home with his three “girls” by his side after many years of battling brave fights with multiple health challenges. He left this world leaving his wife, Donna (Grant) Rauschke, of 60 years, and his daughters Meridyth Astrosky and Krista Cushing. Ken was born on April 27, 1932 to Henry A. Rauschke and Elsie M.(Lindeen) Rauschke ,Comfrey, MN and honorably served in the U.S. Navy 1951-1955 as an Aerial Engineer.
He graduated from the University of Maine in Orono in 1960 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering. When Ken left his childhood home in Minnesota, he began his journey in the U.S. Navy where he became a proud member of the VP-26 Patrol Squadron. He served at the Naval Air Station, Brunswick, ME and was discharged with honors at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, Portsmouth, NH in 1955.
The friendships he formed with his fellow veterans lasted a lifetime. Over the years, he and Donna traveled to several VP-26 reunions and enjoyed hosting two in Maine. Following his service, Ken completed his high school diploma and was encouraged by his commanding officer to apply at the University of Maine in Orono, where he was accepted into the College of Engineering.
It was at a Christmas social at Orono where he met Donna in 1955. Well, this tall, dark and handsome fellow from Minnesota had much in common with this warm, beautiful brunette from Maine. They both came from close-knit families whose grandparents were immigrants from Scandinavia and Germany, were of Lutheran faith , and who grew up on farms.
They married in 1958, lived in “couples” housing at UMO until they graduated. Ken’s first job landed him and his family at United Shoe Machinery Corporation in Massachusetts. He and Donna and the girls later returned to live in Portland, ME in 1965.
Then they built their house on Donna’s family farm land in 1970. Scarborough has been “home” to Ken and his family since. As a Mechanical Engineer , his career led him to (Maremont) Saco Defense Industries (now General Dynamics), where he was a project engineer and rose through the ranks.
He proudly worked on several defense projects including the “Mark 19”. He truly was an ambassador, as his projects took him to South America, the Middle East, and Europe. After retiring in 1989 as an engineering executive, he continued to act as an engineering consultant as he was often requested to be the training engineer on international projects.
Outside of his prominent career, he continued to show his love of God, family, and friendships. His faith-based values made up Ken’s core as was seen in his many years as a faithful servant in St. Ansgar Ev. Lutheran Church, where he served as treasurer, respected council member, and resident handyman.
In 1978, through church sponsorship, Ken and Donna were blessed to have 4 “children” from Vietnam come into their family’s lives. These 4 siblings quickly became part of the Rauschke family “fabric”. Fast forward to today where this fabric extends to 20+ family members who called Ken their Dad or Grandpa, and Meridyth & Krista their sisters.
He truly modeled his love for all. As a couple, Ken and Donna maintained active participation in organizations including UMO alumnae, Sons of Norway, Thrivent Community Service projects, Habitat for Humanity, the Scarborough Historical Society, to name a few. His annual pilgrimage to the Weeksboro Construction and Red Rose Tea Company were filled with heartfelt memories and friendships that have lasted years and brought him many stories he shared with this group of “brethren”.
. He also enjoyed, being an ardent supporter of the arts, enjoying local theater, school music, athletic, and academic programs. Life to Ken was so special and it was meant to be shared.
This was evident from his support for his daughters and his grandchildren Elise, Samuel, Brent, and Matthew. He took great pride and joy sharing their accomplishments and attending all of their college graduations at Tufts University, NEBH-Emmanuel College, California Polytechnic State University, United States Military Academy at West Point, and University of New England College of Pharmacy. In addition to being a devoted father, nothing is more evident in his love for others as he was a devoted uncle to his nieces and nephews – especially to Karli and Parker who are like siblings to Meridyth and Krista.
Ken, may have left Minnesota for the east coast but his family ties remained active and strong. His sisters Edna Kamper and Shirley Titman of Iowa and their families were a constant in his life as well. Family trips to and from reunions, sharing in celebrations, and post tornado cleanup were part of the Rauschke travel plans as often as possible, as well as hosting an abundance of relatives and friends throughout the years.
He and Donna both believed in the “always room for more” as a guest for a meal or as a safe harbor if in trouble. Others could always count on him as he had this gentle way of providing confidence ,practical guidance, and encouragement . One of Ken’s greatest pleasures was spending time at his happy place “Upta Camp” on Little Sebago Lake.
He enjoyed celebrating his grandchildrens’ accomplishments with “a cold one” sitting on the front porch. In this place we all call “a piece of heaven,” he was known to feed many family members with his “special” pancakes, waffles, share his love of grilling , read a book, or offer sage advice . Restoring “GlennDonna” to it’s beautiful state was truly an act of love which he so enjoyed seeing the family partake in again.
Ken leaves a great legacy of hard work, love of God, love of family and friends – and a reminder to us all to make time to connect with those you love even when things are very busy. Ken’s family would like to extend their warmest thank you’s to family and friends. Also extending appreciation to his caregivers: Dr. M. Ciampi, Dr. J.P. Winters, Dr. Paul Frey, and Paula Banks and staff, the Maine Veterans’ Home in Scarborough for all their support and care provided over the past month.
Ken is predeceased by his parents Henry and Elsie Rauschke of Comfrey, MN. He is survived by his wife, Donna Rauschke of Scarborough, ME; children, Meridyth Astrosky and Krista Cushing, both of Scarborough, ME; grandchildren, Elise Astrosky and Brent Astrosky both of San Diego, CA, Samuel Cushing of Scarborough, ME,Matthew Cushing of Savannah, GA; siblings, Edna Kamper of Algona,IA and Shirley Titman and husband Dave of Monticello, IA; brother-in-law Glenn Grant of East Sebago, ME; and 6 nieces and 2 nephews from CT to FL to IA Family and friends may call from 4-7 p.m. on January 11, 2019, at Hobbs Funeral Home, 671 U.S. Route 1, Scarborough, Maine. A celebration of his life will be held at 1 p.m. on January 12, 2019, at St. Ansgar Lutheran Church, 515 Woodford St., Portland, Maine.
Following Ken’s example to pay it forward by support, gifts or deeds, the family requests in lieu of flowers, donations in his memory can be made to: Keep ME Warm online at www. unitedwaygp.org/keep-me-warm or to: Maine Veterans’ Homes (Scarborough) online at mainevets.
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