Russell Theodore Rauscher (July 19, 1908 - May 14, 1989) was a bishop of the Episcopal Church, serving in Nebraska.

The Right Reverend

Russell Theodore Rauscher

D.D.
Bishop of Nebraska
ChurchEpiscopal Church
DioceseNebraska
ElectedJanuary 25, 1961
In office1962–1972
PredecessorHoward R. Brinker
SuccessorRobert Varley
Previous post(s)Coadjutor Bishop of Nebraska (1961-1962)
Orders
OrdinationOctober 1941
by Harry S. Longley
ConsecrationMay 2, 1961
by Arthur C. Lichtenberger
Personal details
Born(1908-07-19)July 19, 1908
DiedMay 14, 1989(1989-05-14) (aged 80)
Omaha, Nebraska, United States
BuriedSaint Andrew's Church, Omaha, Nebraska
NationalityAmerican
DenominationAnglican
ParentsWilhelm Christian Fredrick Rauscher & Magdalena Louisa Schmidtlein
Spouse
Marjorie Doris Truesdell
(m. 1933; died 1984)
Children1
Alma materWesleyan University

Early life and education

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Rauscher was born on July 19, 1908, in Lockridge, Iowa, the son of Wilhelm Christian Fredrick Rauscher and Magdalena Louisa Schmidtlein. He studied at Wesleyan University and graduated in 1938. He then studied theology at Seabury-Western Theological Seminary, graduating in 1941 with a Bachelor of Divinity. He married Marjorie Doris Truesdell on July 15, 1933.[1]

Ordained ministry

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Rauscher was ordained deacon in March 1941, and priest in October 1941, by Bishop Harry S. Longley of Iowa. He served as priest-in-charge of St. Luke's Church in Fort Madison, Iowa, and St. Michael's Church in Mount Pleasant, Iowa, between 1941 and 1945. In 1945 he became priest-in-charge of St Andrew's Church in Mooar, Iowa, and St. Barnabas Church in Montrose, Iowa. That same year he became a chaplain with the US Navy and served on the USS Samaritan (AH-10) in the Pacific. In 1946, he became vicar of St. Matthew's Church in Iowa Falls, Iowa, while in 1948 he became rector of St. Andrew's Church in Lawton, Oklahoma, where he remained till 1956. Between 1950 and 1951, he also served as a chaplain in Korea during the Korean War. Between 1956 and 1961, he was rector of All Souls' Church in Oklahoma City.[2]

Bishop

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Rauscher was elected Bishop Coadjutor of Nebraska on the first ballot on January 25, 1961, during a special convention held in St. Stephen's Church, Grand Island, Nebraska. He was consecrated on May 2, 1961, in the Music Hall of the Civic Auditorium in Omaha, Nebraska. He succeeded Bishop Brinker as diocesan bishop on February 1, 1962.[3][4] He retained the post till his retirement in 1972. He died on May 14, 1989, at Clarkson Memorial Hospital in Omaha, Nebraska.

References

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  1. ^ "RAUSCHER, Russell Theodore PE B". History of the Chaplain Corps, United States Navy: 228. 1949.
  2. ^ "Nebraska coadjutor". The Living Church. 142 (6): 9. February 5, 1961.
  3. ^ "The Rt. Rev. Dr. Russell Theodore Rauscher". The Episcopal Church in Nebraska: A Centennial History: 114. 1970.
  4. ^ "Eventful Day". The Living Church. 142: 5. May 28, 1961.