James "Jim" P. Rauer

age 85, of Munster, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on Thursday, March 23, 2023. Jim is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Marjorie (nee Brehmer); six daughters: Patricia (David) Such, Denise Rauer, Barbara (late, Anthony) Trapp, Angela (Gregory) Mangum, Jeanette (Karl) Pierz, and Noelle (Matthew) Kietzman; one son, James P. (Leslie) Rauer II; dear grandchildren, Nicholas (Mollie) Such, Kirsten (Rashad) Phillips, Brittney (Mike) McConville, Stephen (Ally) Adams, Aubree (Dustin) Groh, Lydia (Houston) Moran, Margaret Trapp, William Trapp, Anthony (Stacey) Mangum, Trevor (Kristen) Mangum, Anna Mangum,  Ashley Mangum, Alec Pierz, Ivan Pierz, Kyle Pierz, Zoe Kietzman, Nathan Kietzman, and Brock Rauer Dagley; 12 precious great grandchildren; sister, Pauline (late, Bob) Cyrus, and special caregiver, Lwito Namumba. Preceded by his parents, John and Margaret Rauer; and sister, Marjorie Tuleja.

A Visitation will be held from 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM on Monday, March 27, 2023, at Solan Pruzin Funeral Home, 14 Kennedy Ave., Schererville, IN. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:30 AM on Tuesday, March 28, 2023 DIRECTLY at St. James the Less Catholic Church, 9640 Kennedy Ave, Highland, IN with Fr. Gregory Bim-Merle officiating. Jim will lie in state at the church Tuesday morning from 10:00 AM until time of service.  Services conclude at the church.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. James Catholic Church, Hospice of the Calumet Area or Water with Blessings.

James Rauer lived an amazing and incredible 85 years!  Jim was a very good son and a loving brother to his sisters.  Jim was a happy kid, playful and mild-natured.  He liked playing outdoors with his dogs and the kids in the neighborhood.  On rainy days, he would play quiet games in the house with his sisters and his mom, who rarely had to be a referee. He played touch football and baseball games with buddies, and it never mattered to him if he won or lost a game; he was happy to just play.  He loved going fishing on the weekends with his dad.  With his father as the leader, Jim was a true Cub Scout and Boy Scout. He was proud to have the opportunity to play Taps on the cornet for community events.  Jim always enjoyed learning, graduating from Hammond Tech in 1956, and Plumbing school in 1957.

As Jim got older, there were many a caller to this handsome and charming young man.  But, once he had a look at Marge Brehmer, he never looked around again!   Marge waved at Jim from another car, and so, along with some friends, he met her down the street at a get-together.  Later, Jim had been trying to get in touch with her, and finally she accepted his call. Marge said, "I hear you've been checking up on me."  From that day on, their love story began, and they were married on August 1, 1959.  They established their first home in Hammond, Indiana and started their family.

Shortly afterwards, Jim's father died, which was very hard on him.  He stayed close to all his aunts, uncles and cousins; he loved all of his relatives, each and every one!  Jim became especially close to his Uncle John Kolanko, who became a father figure and helped him get through life. Spending a lot of time with his extended family, who mentored him in various projects, he enjoyed celebrating with them at fun family cookouts, weddings, and parties.

Jim and his uncle, Elmer Kish, combined their skills to passionately launch their business, Kish and Rauer Plumbing and Heating in 1969. They were absolutely dedicated to building a successful and highly respected company.  Jim's business card said,  "Not the biggest, just the best." It was his desire to always do his work correctly, not to cut corners, and to make things that last.

In 1972, Jim and Marge built the home of their dreams in Highland, where they raised their son and six daughters. He was always building, engineering and fixing everything to Marge's request to keep the household running well. He constructed a joyful, music-filled home, with two pianos, a whole house radio and stereo system, and various musical instruments for spirited singing and playing. Inviting family and friends to gather at the home was one of his amazing gifts!  Jim (with Marge's help) could invite anywhere from 10-200 people over to their home and not miss a beat!   His parties were the best time for everyone to congregate and relax around the kitchen table, outside around a bonfire, play horseshoes, ping-pong, shuffleboard, and just have a good ol' time. He enjoyed going to weddings and loved dancing with Marge, especially the polka!  Life was an adventure, raising and supporting the seven children and all their activities, band concerts and competitions, choir, and theater. He was a proud Band Parent of the Highland Marching Trojans for fourteen years, and supported many Highland High School events.

Jim was highly involved in his community.  As a member of St. James Catholic Church, he served as an usher, on the Bereavement Committee, in the Holy Name Society, assisted with fundraising events, his favorite being the St James Festival.  He had a special place in his heart for serving and giving to those with disabilities, feeding and caring for those less fortunate, and helping his neighbors.

Jim was well liked by his neighbors, as he would talk to anyone and even invite them or their dogs over to visit, as he hung out in his garage with the door open during nice days.  Jim loved helping everyone!  He loved to come to the rescue of any dilemma with his knowledge and good thinking skills, or just be there for people who needed him.  He had an extraordinary mind for improving things anywhere around the house, thinking outside the box, with hammer, nails, or hot glue and duct tape.  Jim got things done; he was always on the move, even up till his last month on earth, he was fixing chairs and preparing meals for the love of his life.

After raising his seven children with a firm hand for over 32 years, Jim and Marge were empty-nesters, finally having more time to enjoy with his sweetheart.  He retired, handing over his pipe wrench and family business to his son, Jim.  They now had time to take road trips, visit family and friends, see different places and experience new things.

When asked for marriage advice, his response was that the most important words in a marriage are, "Yes, Dear."  He was so proud of all his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.  He lived a life committed to his Catholic faith. Jim was loved and respected by those he encountered who will always remember his smile. He was a father figure and mentor to others, who respected his honesty and integrity.

Jim will be missed so very much by his family and friends. They will miss his wisdom, his stories, his jokes, and his love of adventure.  We thank you, Dad, for a fun childhood, for always having our back, for supporting our dreams and giving us the tools to help them come true.  We thank you, Dad, for making sure we know the Lord and believe in Jesus Christ, the Savior of the World.  We trust in Jesus, and know our Dad has been raised up to celebrate the glory of God.  We will see you again someday.

We love you Jim!  We love you Dad!  We love you Gramps!

Poem for Papa

by Jeanette Pierz, Rauer Kid #5

Don't worry about me

I'm fine you'll see

You don't understand now

But my soul is free

Free from sorrow

Free from pain

In a peaceful place

Where true love reigns

I see this light

Of love so bright

I'm not afraid

It's a perfect sight

It's real, you'll see

Like I know now

I feel this love

But I don't know how

I do not suffer

Anymore

I'm with my loved ones

Who passed before

There are no limits

Of time or space

Only God's love

In this beautiful place

A world of peace

And comfort here

I see Sweet Jesus

His voice I hear

Don't doubt at all

The love he brings

It's as real as you

And your earthly things

Don't doubt the love

He has for you

Don't doubt, because

I'm here, It's true

I'll be just fine

And so will you

Just pray to God

To have mercy on you