Ronald “Al” Rauckhorst was born on October 18, 1932 in Akron, Ohio where he grew up in a staunchly German Catholic family. After nine years of seminary training, Al served as a Maryknoll missionary priest in South Korea for ten years. After leaving Maryknoll and the priesthood he met and married Louise in 1971. Over the next 30 years Al worked as an adolescent counselor, family therapist, university academic advisor and tutor for elementary and high school students. In 1981 Al and Louise adopted two wonderful Korean daughters. He loved to spend time with family and friends, play cards and video poker, read mystery novels, handicap horse races, and work on jigsaw puzzles. Throughout his retirement years he also enjoyed performing in the Speeding Theatre—Over 55 plays and variety shows with wife Louise.

Al died peacefully at home on July 12, 2022. He is survived by Louise, his wife of 50 years, daughters Ann and Lisa, granddaughter Sara; and grandson Andrew—who will all carry his love and inspiration with them throughout their lives. Although Al treasured his priestly life in South Korea, he believed that his greatest spiritual growth took place during his married life.

Note: Al’s family always called him by his first name, Ronald. But, otherwise he preferred to be called “Al” (from Albert, his middle name).