Robert A. Rausch
Juneau resident Robert A. Rausch, 73, died of an apparent heart attack Saturday, Oct. 26, near Iowa City, Iowa. He had been hunting pheasant with his brother Clair Rausch, and his Labrador retriever had just delivered a couple of birds to him.
Born on June 26, 1929, in Sumner, Iowa, Rausch moved to Alaska in 1955. Before statehood, he worked as a biologist with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in Anchorage. In 1959 he continued his wildlife work, but with the Alaska Department of Fish and Game in Fairbanks.
His research on wolves and moose became known internationally. He was later director of the statewide Division of Game, Department of Fish and Game, until his retirement in 1978.
Rausch received his undergraduate degree in biology at Luther College in Decorah, Iowa, and his master of science degree from the University of Alaska Fairbanks. He was a captain in the U.S. Marine Corps during the Korean War and was awarded the Bronze Star for meritorious service. He was a hunter, fisherman and trapper.
He was preceded in death by his son Steven Rausch and his parents Arlie and Myrtle Rausch.
He is survived by his wife, Susan Arthur; daughter Ann Rausch; brothers Clair Rausch of Cedar Rapids, Iowa; Lee Rausch of Tripoli, Iowa; and Joe Rausch of Rivera, Mo.
There are no memorial services planned at this time. The family requests that expressions of sympathy take the form of contributions to the Alaska Outdoor Council, P.O. Box 73902, Fairbanks, AK 99707-3902.