Russell J. Rauch

Russell J Rauch, age 82, of Upper Arlington, passed away unexpectedly at home on November 16, 2025. Russ was born in Barberton, Ohio, before the family moved to Longview, Texas for several years, finally settling in Columbus, Ohio. He attended Bishop Watterson High School, where he would meet and marry Barbara Shirk. They would go on to raise 2 daughters and celebrate 55 years of marriage. Russ attended college at The Ohio State University obtaining a Master’s Degree in Finance. He started his first business airbrushing t-shirts out of his parent’s basement at age 16. Always the entrepreneur and inventor, he started several businesses throughout his life. Some of his accomplishments include founding Roach t-shirts, founding Laser presentations Inc, and touring the famous “Sonny’s Bullet Car” from the movie The Godfather around the country, which was one of his most treasured memories. In between some of these businesses, he also taught at Franklin University, was the Concessions Manager at the Ohio Expo Center and spent the last two decades before retiring working for the state as the Director of Research and Development at the Bureau of Motor Vehicles and then as Chief of BMV Special Operations. Russ had a love of classic cars and enjoyed attending cars shows along with his daughters as a favorite past time hobby. Both Russ and Barb had a great love of family, both being from large families themselves. Their home was often the place where family gathered and were warmly welcomed, where many memories were made and cherished, always full of love.

Preceeded in death by his wife Barbara (Shirk) Rauch of 55 years; his parents, Ralph and Caroline (Nagy) Rauch; brothers Tom (Susan) Rauch, Dennis Rauch; and sisters Judy (Lee) Badger, and Becky Rauch. Survived by his daughters Casey Rauch and Jody Ihochi; grandchildren Amaya and Edison Ihochi; son-in-law Albert Ihochi; brother Jerry (Marla) Rauch, sisters Jan (Bob) Urbanic, Carol (Dick) VanSchoyck and Anita Corn; as well as numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

Celebration of life will be held on January 3rd, 2026, 11am-3pm at Schmidt’s Banquet Haus in German Village. Dress is casual. Please let the family know if you will be attending.

To sign his online guestbook and leave a condolence for his family please visit www.graumlichfuneralhome.com Arrangements with GRAUMLCH FUNERAL HOME, 1351 South High Street, Columbus, Ohio 43207.