Robert E. Rasch, 82, passed away peacefully at the Lowrie Place in Butler, on Saturday, January 18, 2025, after a lengthy battle with Parkinson’s Disease.
Born on January 3, 1943, in Pittsburgh, he was the son of the late Herman and LaRue (Stenger) Rasch. He was a loving husband, father and grandfather who will forever be loved and missed.
Bob graduated in 1961 from Slippery Rock High School. He worked at Armco Steel and retired in 2006 from the Melt Shop after 41 years of service. In his retirement, and because of his lifetime love of cars, he worked several hours a week at Manheim Pittsburgh auto auction until 2018.
Bob was a faithful parishioner of St. Andrew Orthodox Church in Lyndora where he enjoyed helping make their delicious pirohi. He was a great fan of auto racing from Indy to dirt track but especially drag racing. He loved spending time with family and friends, traveling to Las Vegas, Disney World, and the beach, and taking long drives on the back roads.
Bob was a dedicated firefighter for many years and life member of the Lyndora Volunteer Fire Department. He was also a member of the Western PA Fireman’s Association, Butler Armco Employees Association, Highfield Community Association, and Sons of the American Legion Post #778. He was a Pennsylvania Voter Hall of Fame inductee in honor of his voting in every election for over 50 consecutive years.
Bob is survived by his devoted and loving wife of 60 years, Doris (Olenic) Rasch, who he married August 8, 1964; daughter, Marie (William) Bellis; son, Robert Rasch II; grandchildren, Jacob, Daniel and Nathan Bellis; brother, Fred (Georgie) Rasch; sister, Beverly (Ronald) Petrus; sister-in-law, Barbara Olenic; brothers-in-law, Martin Olenic Jr. and William (Beverly) Olenic; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his half-sister, Mary Lou Nicoll; half-brother, George Glass; nephew, Christopher Bruner; brother-in-law, Robert Olenic; and sister-in-law, Kathy Olenic.
The family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to the staff of the Lowrie Place and Suncrest Hospice for their extraordinary care and compassion.
Friends will be received at the Geibel Funeral Home, 201 East Cunningham Street, Butler, from 3:00 pm until 7:00 pm Wednesday. Funeral Services will be on Thursday, at 11:00 am, at St. Andrew Orthodox Church, 201 Penn Avenue in Lyndora. Rev. Michael Sochka, to officiate. Interment will follow in Northside Cemetery, Butler.
Memorial Donations to be made to the Butler County Humane Society, please visit butlercountyhs.org