Carol Rauch Obituary

Carol E. Rauch, age 98, of Shakopee, MN, entered eternal life on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, during her stay at Friendship Manor Nursing Home in Shakopee. Carol's family wishes to extend a heartfelt "thank you," to all the staff, for the wonderful care their mom received during her 2 years at Friendship Manor; and everyone with Allina Hospice.
Carol was born in New Ulm, MN, on October 29, 1927, the daughter of William and Thecla (Eibner) Puchner. It was in New Ulm where she met the love of her life and future husband, John Rauch. She and John lived in Olivia and Redwood Falls, MN, and then settled in Shakopee with their 4 children. Together, John and Carol enjoyed their summer lake home in the New London-Spicer, MN area, and traveled south in the cold months.
When she was growing up in New Ulm, she worked as a lifeguard at the local pool. Carol went on to college and earned her teacher's certificate from Mankato State University and was a teacher at a 1-room school in Courtland, MN. At the end of her work career, Carol worked at the Scott County Library headquarters.
Carol enjoyed playing cards with her lady friends, especially Bridge. She also liked sewing, playing bingo, crossword puzzles, and going out for "Happy Hour". Carol was also an avid MN Twins fan!
Carol was preceded in death by her husband, John; siblings, Anna Marie, Mary Ellen, William and Ruth. Survivors include her 4 children, Robert (Susan) Rauch, Ruth (Stephen) Meyer, Barbara (Gregory) Henning, and Joan (Michael) Stinski; 10 grandchildren, Jodi, Rachel, Rebecca, Jason, Joshua, Matthew, Helena, Jacob, Randi, and Hanna; 17 great-grandchildren and another on the way; and sister-in-law, Bluette Puchner.
Visitation Wednesday, January 21, 2026, from 2-4:15 PM, followed by Mass of Christian Burial at 4:30 PM, all at Church of St. Mark, 350 Atwood St. South, Shakopee. Livestream of the mass will be provided by the Parish of Saints Joachim and Anne: https://youtube.com/live/EyfQN17FxVk?feature=share
Private family interment Catholic Cemetery, Shakopee. Immediately after the mass, the celebration of Carol's life will continue with a reception at the Shakopee V.F.W. Post 4046, 1201 3rd Ave. East, Shakopee.
Memorials are preferred to the Activities Department at Friendship Manor Nursing Home in Shakopee. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Carol, please visit our floral store.