Thelma Rauk

Thelma Aletta (Itse) Rauk was born at home on August 4, 1914 to Carl and Rose (Johnson) Itse in rural Mabel, Minnesota. She graduated from Mabel High School in 1932. She was united in marriage to Harold Edwin Rauk on November 24, 1933. They began their married life in Spring Grove, Minnesota and, in 1940, moved to Rochester, Minnesota. A promotion brought them to Pipestone in 1946, where they remained. They were blessed with three daughters, Elizabeth (Betty), Catherine (Cathy) and Mary.

Thelma was an active member of First Lutheran Church where she sang in the choir, was a member of Joy Circle and the FLCW. She was also a champion lefse maker, a quilter, deaconess and Sunday school teacher.

After Harold’s death in 1970, Thelma joined the staff of the fabric department at Penney's, a job she loved, being a skilled seamstress. She enjoyed travel, bridge, socializing with friends and volunteering. But, more than anything else, she enjoyed spending time with her family. Lively meals, wonderful food and games were always the order of the day. When the holidays arrived, there was always carol singing around the piano. Thelma was always pleased that we called ourselves the 'Thelma Rauk Singers.' Her 100th birthday celebration would have been another very happy affair, although she may not have admitted her age! Thelma died at the Pipestone County Medical Center on Sunday, April 27, 2014 at the age of 99.

Thelma is lovingly remembered by her three daughters, Betty Johnson of Pipestone, Minnesota, Cathy (John) Steinhauer of Madison, Wisconsin and Mary (Bob) Ott of Omaha, Nebraska; one sister, Marian Kennedy of Sun City Center, Florida; eight grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Harold; her son-in-law, Roger Johnson; and her grandson, Michael Johnson.