Peter “Pete” Ernest Rauser was born in Sheridan County, ND March 7, 1935. He attended school in Hurdsfield, ND 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 & 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 & 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 September 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 laws, 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 & Elvira Rauser, sister Joy Rhoades, brothers Leonard, Melvin and 2 in infancy, Nylee DiMeo, Heather Halvorson, and in laws Albert & Bertha Meier.