Alvin C. Rasch

Alvin Christian Rasch, 92, Mandan, passed away Tuesday, Sept. 29, 2020 at Marian Manor, Glen Ullin. A memorial service will be held 12 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 7, at Eastgate Funeral Service, 2302 E Divide Ave, Bismarck. A service livestream will be available on the funeral home’s website.

Burial will be held 2 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 7, at the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery, Mandan.

Alvin was born July 29, 1928 to William and Ottilie (Neumann) Rasch in Mercer County near Krem, ND. He was raised and educated in Hazen. Alvin graduated from Hazen High School in 1945. He was a member of the US Navy from June 1946 to March 1948. On Sept. 1, 1956, Alvin and Esther Schlecht eloped and were married in Dunn Center. They ran the family car dealership, Rasch Motor Company and raised their family in Stanley, ND.

He loved spending time with his friends and family. There were countless hours spent around the table playing pinochle, other card games and smoking cigarettes. He loved to be outdoors, especially in his garden or teaching his children how to milk cows, care for chickens, fence fields and appreciate God’s gift of the land. In his retirement, he renewed his love of woodworking. He shared his beautiful hand-crafted projects to those who were special to him.

Alvin loved dancing with Esther and even helping her with quilting. He was always teaching life-lessons to his children and continued to pass those lessons on to his grandchildren. Papa loved to watch his grandchildren’s adventures through his kitchen window to the world. He enjoyed having the entire family together to listen and watch their laughter. Those times brought a twinkle to his eyes and a beautiful smile to his face. All of us will miss his strong, firm handshakes and encompassing hugs.

Those remaining to cherish Alvin’s memories, include two daughters, Kim (David) Wheelihan, Great Falls, Mont., and Kay (Robert) Fenstermacker, Bismarck; one son, Bill Rasch and Erika Falls, Roseville, Calif; grandchildren, Christian and Zach Wheelihan, Megan (Colby) Fenstermacker-Todd, Dora and Beri Rasch, and Autumn and Dana Falls; two sisters-in-law, Bonnie Schlecht  and Joyce Schlecht; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Alvin was preceded in death by his wife, Esther; brother, Eldor; and two sisters, Elsie Weidrich and Irene Ellwein.

The family wishes to extend a very special heartfelt thank you to the staff of Marian Manor in Glen Ullin for their hugs, care and compassion to dad.