September 29, 2020

Peter Rauser

Peter Rauser

Pete Rauser was born in Sheridan County, N.D., March 7, 1935. He attended school in Hurdsfield, N.D., where he enjoyed playing sports and working on the family farm. It was at this time he met his future wife, Donna Meier. They were married Nov. 6, 1955. To this union 4 children were born, Jeffrey, Kevin, Julie and Steven.
In 1956, Pete and Donna moved to Watford City where Pete started working in the oil field, first for Oil Field Services in various positions. From 1957 to 1963, he worked for Noble Drilling as a driller. In 1963, Pete went to work for Amerada Hess working from a pumper to consultant. He later worked at McKenzie County Hospital in maintenance until his retirement. Pete was always a hard worker, having accomplished his lifelong dream of someday owning a farm when in 1980, he purchased the former Gust and Freida Johnson farm where he farmed and maintained a cattle operation along with his regular 8-hour jobs. The farm gave a lot of pleasure to his grandchildren who loved to go to the farm with their grandpa.
A family joke was Pete never was without a toothpick and “toothpicks” were everywhere!! We will be finding them for awhile!!
Pete passed away Sept. 21, 2020, at the McKenzie County Hospital after a lengthy battle with cancer.
Pete is survived by his wife, Donna; children, Jeffrey (Linda) Rauser, Kevin (Linda) Rauser, Julie DiMeo and Steven (Cindy) Rauser; he also leaves behind his 9 grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren who loved and will miss him dearly. Brothers, Jim (Loyce) Rauser, Floyd (Joyce) Schiller; brother-in-law, Harold Rhoades; brothers and sisters-in-law, Melvin (Vangie) Bentz and Gordon (Carol) Risa; along with numerous nieces and nephews.
All his friends are honorary pallbearers.
He was preceded in death by parents, Ernest and Elvira Rauser; sister, Joy Rhoades; brothers, Leonard, Melvin and 2 in infancy, Nylee DiMeo, Heather Halvorson; and in-laws, Albert and Bertha Meier.
Funeral services for Peter Rauser, 85, of Watford City, N.D., were held at 11 a.m., Saturday, Sept. 26, 2020, at First Lutheran Church in Watford City, N.D., with Pastor Garrett Gudmundsen officiating. Interment was held in the Schafer Cemetery, Watford City, N.D., under the care of the Fulkerson-Stevenson Funeral Home of Watford City. Visitation was held on Friday, Sept. 25, 2020, from 12 - 6 p.m. Remembrances, condolences and pictures may be shared with the family at www.fulkersons.com.

WATFORD CITY WEATHER