Val Rausch

I have lived my entire life in District 4. I was born in Ortonville, Minnesota, in April of 1960, but we lived in Big Stone City, South Dakota. I attended Big Stone School through eighth grade and then attended and graduated from Ortonville High School in 1978. I attended South Dakota School of Mines and Technology for one year and transferred to Northern State University where I graduated with a Bachelors of Science Degree in Business Management and Marketing.

I started working at Rausch Brothers Monument Co. Inc. in the spring of 1982 where I was soon promoted to Plant Manager. I had that position until 1998 when I was named Sales Manager for the company. In December of 1999 I made a decision to go on my own and start my own cemetery lettering business. I began Omega Lettering, a custom sandblasting company, early the next year. It was quite an adventure, but it has been a good move. This business will guarantees me the time necessary to serve the voters of District 4 in the State House.

I was married to Paula Miles in June of 1982 in Aberdeen, SD. Paula is a native of Doland South Dakota and is also a graduate of Doland High School and Northern State University with a degree in Secondary and Elementary Education. Paula has taught at St. Lawrence School since 1989. We have four children: Miles, 25, lives with his wife, Holli (Gregg) of Hawarden, Iowa, in Sioux Falls, South Dakota; Bryce, 24, lives with his wife, Lindsey (Nelsen) of Ortonville, Minnesota, in Parma Heights, Ohio; Molly, 19, is a freshman at USD in Vermillion, South Dakota; and Brenna, 15, is a sophomore at Milbank High School, in Milbank, South Dakota.

I served as Mayor of Big Stone City for six years. During that tenure we worked with the state to improve our water and sewer system. It was a very valuable experience that involved the city and the state working together to benefit all. For a while I was a memeber of the Grant County Planning and Zoning Board. I am currently a volunteer fireman for the Big Stone City Fire Department, and I sit on the Northeast SD Health Foundation board.

I am active in St. Charles Catholic Church as a council member, lector, Eucharistic minister and choir member. I am also a Master Catchiest within the Sioux Falls Diocese. I enjoy running and have run the Twin Cities Marathon three times and Grandma’s Marathon three times. I love golf and spending time with my family. I am a Fourth Degree Member of the Knights of Columbus in Milbank.

If there’s anything else you’d like to know, feel free to contact me on this website. I’d love to hear from you!

Thank you,
Val Rausch
Candidate for 4th District State House
Republican Party