On May 31, 2024, William Dean Rauhauser (Bill) of Flower Mound, TX, lost his battle with Parkinson’s and Congestive Heart Failure at the age of 79. He was a devout Christian and was finally called home to be with his Lord and Savior. While we miss him terribly, we are so happy that his suffering is over and that he is now where he was always created to be. He has officially heard the words “Well done my good and faithful servant.” Bill was an amazing husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather that was a friend to everybody he met. He never met a stranger and lived his life with a “my door is always open” mindset.
Bill was born in Iowa City, IA,on December 23,1944,to Anna and Purl George Rauhauser. He was the youngest of nine children. Bill grew up in Ruthven and Emmetsburg, IA,where he was an integral part of the football, basketball, and track teams. He graduated from Emmetsburg High School in 1963 and received a track scholarship to University of Northern Iowa. Bill graduated from UNI with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1968 in Physical Education and began teaching elementary and secondary physical education and coaching in the Ankeny (IA) School District. He earned a Masters of Arts degree in 1970 from Northeast Missouri State University and joined the Iowa Department of Public Instruction as a consultant for staff development. He served as a teacher and assistant principal for the Estherville (IA) School District while earning a Health, Physical Education, and Recreation Administrative certification from NEMSU in 1975. He then served as High School Principal in Milford (IA) from 1975-1979 and then Junior High Principal and Director of Curriculum in Spirit Lake (IA) from 1979-1983. At this time he was also getting his Ph.D in Educational Administration from Iowa State University. Dr. Rauhauser then accepted the position of Assistant Superintendent for the Campbell County School District in Gillette, Wyoming,where he served from 1983-1987. After serving these 17 years in public education, he founded School Improvement Partners and became a full-time educational consultant, conducting over 4000 workshops for educators in 45 states, Canada, Europe, and New Zealand. He co-authored 2 books and served as a national trainer and adjunct professor, as well as a trainer of trainers for Teacher Expectation/Student Achievement (TESA). Dr. Rauhauser was involved in Kiwanis for years, serving as Governor of the Texas/Oklahoma district in 2013 and 2014.
In addition to an illustrious career in education, Bill was also an accomplished musician involved in many bands over the years, most notably The Dark Knights while he was at UNI. He played guitar and was a vocalist for the Dark Knights, who opened for many famous bands including The Yardbirds, The Association, and The Hollies. In 2003, The Dark Knights were inducted into the Iowa Rock and Roll Music Association (IRRMA) Hall of Fame.
Bill is survived by Carol, his wife of 57 years, his sister Rosie; his sons,Bill Jr. (Laura) and Jeremy (Anita);3 grandchildren,Preston (Shelby), Braden, and Joshua; great-grandson,Myles and a great-granddaughter on the way.
A Celebration Of Life will be held on Sunday, July 28, 2024, from 2:00 – 5:00pm, at Lakeside Tower – 3rd floor, 2800 Lakeside Parkway, Flower Mound, Texas 75022.
