Dolores "Dolly" Rauch

Dolores “Dolly” Theresa Rauch (née Gross) passed away peacefully on Sunday, September 14, 2025 in Woodbury, Minnesota at the age of 87.

Dolly is survived by beloved husband of 69 years, William “Bill” Sr.; children, Lynn Rabbitts (Pat Stahl), William "Bill" Jr., Karen Greenwell, and Dave (Robyn); grandson, Nathan; and brother-in-law, Walter Schlegel. Preceded in death by parents, Theodore and Matilda Gross; son-in-law, John Greenwell; siblings, Cecelia (Alvin) Miers, Agnes (Peter) Schommer, Hildegarde (Cornelius) VanRavenhorst, Marie (Theodore) Block, Martha (Al) Holley, Bernard (Virginia) Gross, Eva (Joseph) Tembreull, George Gross, Irene Schlegel, infant twin brothers, Stephen and August Gross; infant sister, Regina Gross; and sister-in-law, JoAnn Gross.

Dolores Theresa Gross was born on October 4, 1937, in Richardson Township, Minnesota to Theodore and Matilda Gross. She married William “Bill” Rauch Sr. in 1956 at Holy Family Catholic Church, in Hillman, Minnesota, after which they moved to St. Paul, Minnesota. They finally made their home in Cottage Grove in 1959.

Dolly lived a life full of purpose and joy. For 25 years, she was a dedicated school bus driver, greeting each child with a warm smile. Beyond her work, Dolly was a woman of many talents and interests. She was a great cook and loved to bake, creating beautiful wedding cakes that brought joy to countless couples, and making her famous caramel rolls and rhubarb torte for her family. She found great pleasure in tending to a yard filled with flowers and bustling with birds. She enjoyed quilting, knitting, painting and many other types of arts and crafts. She loved dancing, singing, and playing the organ. She nurtured friendships, playing cards with her card clubs, playing Bunko, and having Saturday morning coffee with friends. Dolly also had a passion for travel, driving their motor home throughout the US and sailing on 20+ cruises, alongside Bill, and often other family and friends.

A devoted wife, and mother to her children, Dolly’s greatest pride was family. She had an infectious spirit and a wonderful sense of humor that made her a joy to be around. Her friendly and welcoming nature meant that people were always drawn to her. Dolly will be remembered for her kind heart, her constant smile, and the happiness she brought to everyone who knew her.

Visitation 11 AM with Celebration of Life beginning at 12 noon, Wednesday, September 24, 2025 at Kok Funeral Home, 7676 80th St. S., Cottage Grove, Minnesota 55016. Interment will be held at Cottage Grove Cemetery, Cottage Grove, Minnesota. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Dolly’s life and stay for a luncheon immediately following the service, prior to interment. The family would like to thank those at Hospice of the Midwest and the staff at Talamore Senior Living (Woodbury) for their compassion and care.

LIVESTREAM INFORMATION: For those who would like to participate in the service via livestream, you can watch the service by scrolling to the bottom of this page and click the blue “PLAY" to begin. Please leave a message of support on our Tribute Wall to let the family know you were able to watch the service. If you are having trouble with the Livestream, the service will be available to watch later in the day.