Duane Thomas Rauch, lovingly known as “Wink” to most and “Chief” to his family, was born on October 22, 1951, to Joseph and Wilma “Joan” Rauch (née Wallpe). He graduated from Brookville High School with the Class of 1970 and later attended Eastern Arizona College on a football scholarship. On March 17, 1973, he married the love of his life, Ellen Schoettelkotte. Together they raised three sons and built a life centered around family, hard work, and faith. They truly enjoyed life together, and through the years, their love remained steady and strong. Wink always took care of Ellen, and whether they were traveling, spending time with family, or simply being together, they always had the best times. Their love came naturally.
Wink was a lifelong member of St. Peter’s Catholic Church and was always willing to serve where he was needed—or whatever his wife roped him into. He also spent more than 44 years working at Blasdel Enterprises, where he became more than just an employee; he was family. Wink and the company shared a special bond, and everyone knew retirement was never really part of the plan. He continued working until his health no longer allowed him to do so.
If Wink wasn’t working, he was outside. He loved hunting, fishing, gardening, playing cards, taking vacations, visiting state parks, and hiking mile after mile. He loved IU basketball, the Bengals, the Reds, and especially watching his grandchildren play sports. If they were playing, he was there, no distance was too far. He also loved to eat, especially at buffets. Family and friends often joked that he enjoyed buffets so much they might eventually ask him to leave. He enjoyed golfing and was dedicated to weightlifting, faithfully lifting three times a week before dinner, like clockwork.
More than anything, Wink loved his family. He treasured time spent with his brothers, but his grandchildren were truly the center of his world. He was proud of every one of them and loved nothing more than cheering them on. Wink was also someone his community could count on. If a person needed help, whether it was something big or small, he showed up. He was a leader, dependable to his core, and the kind of man who simply got things done. He will be remembered for his strong work ethic, his generous heart, his sense of humor, and the love he had for his family and friends.
On Tuesday, May 19, 2026, at the age of 74, Duane passed away peacefully at his home with family by his side after a courageous battle with cancer.
Those surviving who will carry Wink’s legacy forward include his loving wife of over 53 years, Ellen Rauch; three sons, Eric (Heidi) Rauch, Brett (Miranda) Rauch, and Brad Rauch; eight precious grandchildren, Madysen Rylan, Isabella, Ainsleigh, Jerod, Kendall, Tyler and Trent; two brothers, Dwight (Rita) Rauch and Dallas “Pat” (Lois) Rauch; sister-in-law, Janet Rauch; many more brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law; as well as many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews, who were much more than that. They were so supportive and caring through all of Wink’s sickness. In addition to his parents, Wink was preceded in death by one brother, Douglas Michael Rauch; parents-in-law, Ed and Stella Schoettelkotte; one special niece, Amy Rauch; brothers and sisters in law, Ed Schoettelkotte, Jr., Estelle Gesell, Regina Kunkel, and Charlie Schoettelkotte.
Visitation will be held on Friday, May 22, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. at St. Peter’s Catholic Church, 1207 East Road, Brookville, Indiana 47012. The Holy Rosary will be prayed at 8:30 a.m. Father Vincent Lampert will officiate the Mass of Christian Burial beginning at 11:00 a.m. Burial will immediately follow in the church cemetery.
In lieu of flowers or gifts, please direct memorial contributions in honor of Wink to the athletic departments of his grandchildren’s schools — East Central, Franklin County, St. Michael, or Westfield — as well as to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or the Margaret Mary Health Foundation Hospice Fund. Donations will be accepted in person at the visitation, or they can be mailed directly to the charity of choice above.
To share a fond memory, leave a personal condolence, or to sign the online guestbook, please visit www.cookrosenberger.com. The staff of Cook Rosenberger Funeral Home are honored to care for Chief and his family.