Gary Lee Rauckman

Gary Lee Rauckman, 79, of Lawrence, Kansas passed away on Thursday August 25, 2022.

Gary was born in Hutchinson, KS on June 1, 1943 to Harold August and Mary Margaret Rauckman. He was the second of four children.

He graduated from Buhler High School in 1961. He married Kathy Schmidt on September 8, 1961. They moved to Lawrence where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from Kansas University in 1966. Gary began his engineering career as a student engineer with Kansas Power and Light and became a full-time employee after graduation. Following graduation, KPL moved him to Abilene, KS to be the power plant superintendent. He was employed there for two and a half years.

Abilene was a special place for the family. It was there that Gary committed his life to Christ through a Billy Graham movie. That encounter changed not only him but also Kathy and the priorities of the entire family. That encounter with Christ was the foundation that has built the family legacy.

In 1969, KPL was building an addition to the Lawrence plant, and they moved Gary back to Lawrence to be involved with that construction. In 1972, a friend who was a residential contractor invited Gary to be his superintendent. That invitation became a huge decision and after careful consideration, the invitation was accepted. Gary continued as a contractor for the remainder of his life. He enjoyed the work but also found it possible to be a more hands-on father to his three children. This was a wonderful period in the family’s life. He and his boys played softball together, and the entire family enjoyed camping and outdoor life.

Gary was selfless and caring. He was a good provider and particularly faithful in his work, his home, and his church. He was a good friend to many, offering support when needed. He had a happy smile, a passion for life and loved having fun. Gary was a lifelong hobbyist. His interest was in model trains and building radio control planes and jets. He loved to take things apart and built model airplanes from scratch. He had a pilot’s license and owned a Russian Yak and a Piper Cub airplane. He enjoyed mentoring men in the Bible. In his casual way he made a difference in the lives of many. He will be deeply missed but he leaves a treasured legacy of faith, hope and family.

Survivors include his wife Kathy of Lawrence; twin sons Kevin (Carol) Rauckman of Olathe, KS, and Kelly (Lorraine) Rauckman of Shawnee, and daughter Tonya (Kent) Broddle of Overland Park; Grandchildren Jared (Christen) Broddle of Los Angeles, CA, Rebekah Rauckman (Taylor Foye) of Prairie Village, Emily (Connor) Pemble of Olathe, Grant (Katelyn) Rauckman of Olathe, Sarah (Grant) Morris of Prairie Village, Owen (Brooklyn) Rauckman of Kansas City, MO, Hannah (Jason) Prichard of Olathe, Rachel Broddle of Overland Park, Katerina Brockmann of Shawnee, Charles Brockmann of Shawnee; and three great-grandsons, Shepherd, Myles, and Jesse; a sister Anita Jo (Robert) Ensz of Galva, KS, two brothers, Robert Harold (JoAnn) Rauckman of Topeka and William Greg Rauckman of Sturgis, SD. Gary was preceded in death by daughter-in-law Julia Rauckman.

The Celebration of Life will take place on September 10, at 2:00pm at Grace Evangelical Presbyterian Church, 3312 Calvin Dr., Lawrence, KS, 66049.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Gary’s name to Grace Evangelical Presbyterian Church, Insight Women’s Center of Lawrence or Jayhawk Modelmasters. These may be sent in care of Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, 601 Indiana St., Lawrence, KS 66044.