Joseph John Rauch, 85, passed away Saturday, October 14, 2017, at Vashon Community Care on Vashon Island, WA.

He was born July 17, 1932 in Uniontown, WA to Joseph and Mary Rauch. He grew up in Colton, WA. After high school he briefly attended Washington State College before enlisting in the US Air Force. He continued his education receiving a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Washington and a Masters Degree from Seattle University.

On January 7, 1956 he married Marian Elliott and had one son, Jon Rauch in 1958. In his career as a Seattle high school teacher he taught a variety of subjects but was most known for his time as a wood shop teacher. Retirement was something of a rebirth for Joe, who devoted himself to creating art and taking art classes. He created a minimum of three paintings a week for the next 30 years.

Joe is survived by his son and daughter in-law, Jon and Melinda Rauch of Vashon, WA, his sister Betty Wilsey of Lewiston, ID and brother Jerome of Chicago, IL, grandchildren April Green of Bellevue, WA and Amber Rauch of Port Angeles, WA.

Graveside service will be held Saturday, November 4, 2017 at St. Gall Cemetery, 101 Steptoe St. Colton, WA. A reception will be held immediately following at the Colton Booster and Gun Club. Please visit our online guest book at www.islandfuneral.com.