A cherished member of our family passed away on February 9 at Christiana Hospital surrounded by his loving family. He had been hospitalized for a short time. He would have turned 80 on March 13th. Michael Ferdinand Hermann Rausch was born March 13, 1945, in an underground bunker in Frankfurt, Germany during the last air raid by the Americans in World War II. He was born to Gerhard and Hilda Sasserath Rausch, and had an older brother, Peter. Along with his family, he emigrated to the US and was raised in Narberth, PA. Upon graduation from Harriton High School, he joined the United States Air Force. In later years, he would laugh and say he joined the very service that tried to kill him when he was a baby. After the Air Force, he attended St. Joseph’s University in Philadelphia and graduated from Quaker City School of Aeronautics and Engineering. He then was hired by Atlantic Aviation, Philadelphia Airport, for 30 years, and after his retirement worked for SKC Services, also at the airport.
It was during his time at Atlantic that he met the girl he would be married to for 53 years. He married Judith DeSantis, a Jersey girl, and he decided they would live in Delaware because it was low in taxes and an easy commute. Little did they know how much they would love Delaware and each other. Mike and Judy were inseparable and did just about everything together. Many years later, they were blessed with a beautiful baby who made their hearts and lives complete. He was everything a parent could ask for and more. Upon his two retirements, he decided he would try something fun. So, with his knowledge of the garden, he joined the staff at Winterthur Museum and Gardens and enjoyed being a garden guide for many years. He loved all things gardening and learned a lot and shared his knowledge with the public. He enjoyed gardening in his home and always had something new to show Judy. While gardening wasn’t Judy’s passion, she always admired Mike for his skills in getting all things growing. Mike shared his heart and affection with his grandchildren, and they loved him in return. He was their Pop-Pop, plain and simple, and they loved him. We will miss you, dear, more than words can say. You were so special to so many and will be missed.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Judy, his wonderful son Michael and his wife Laura, grandson Jacob Daniel and granddaughter Ellie Louise, two special nieces, Victoria Applegate, of Florida, and Shani DeSantis (Craig Smith) of Cherry Hill, NJ, brother-in-law, Charles DeSantis (Debbie) of Bridgeton, NJ. He was predeceased by his parents, Gerhard and Hilda Rausch, brother Peter Rausch, grandparents Arthur and Paula Rausch and Walter and Anna Sasserath, his in-laws Harry and Joan DeSantis, many friends too numerous to mention, and his beloved canine companion of 17 years, Rose Marie Rita, affectionately known as Rosey.
The family would like to thank the staff of 2C at Christiana Hospital for their wonderful care of Mike, and a special thanks from Judy to Laura, his daughter-in-law, Mike’s caregiver, and Bob Kerr and Mark Knox for their kindness to Mike and friendship, which he cherished.
A viewing will be held on Wednesday, February 19, 2025 from 10:00-11:00 a.m. at St. Anthony of Padua Church, 901 N. DuPont St, Wilmington, DE 19805 where a prayer service will follow at 11:00 a.m. Burial with military honors will be at the Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Bear, DE. In lieu of flowers, donations to St. Anthony of Padua Church, would be greatly appreciated.
