Robert Daniel “Bob” Rauzi

Robert Daniel Rauzi died on September 21, 2016 in Independence, Missouri. Bob was born to Enrico Rauzi and Lena (Albertini) Rauzi on June 25, 1925 in Superior, Wyoming but spent much of his childhood in Missouri. From an early age, Bob had an adventurous, independent nature. At 16, Bob joined a CCC corps in Nevada, where he served as an assistant land surveyor.

After the attack on Pearl Harbor, Bob itched to join the war effort but was too young. After turning 17 Bob badgered his parents until they consented for him to join, and he volunteered in August, 1943. Bob served in the Pacific as a rangefinder on the light cruiser U.S.S. Honolulu and saw action at Peleliu and Leyte Gulf, and was honorably discharged in March, 1946.

After the war, Bob took off for odd jobs and adventures wherever they were available, including a stint in the Merchant Marine, where he helped ferry displaced persons between war-torn Europe and South America. Back in Kansas City, Bob met Catherine “Kitty” Hasenzahl at a picnic social and was quickly smitten. They married at St. James Catholic Church on August 13, 1955, and Bob unceasingly adored his “Kit” for the next 61 years.

Over the next 11 years, Bob and Kitty brought six fine young men into the world: Dan (1956), Mike (1957), David (1958), Jim (1960), Tom (1961) and Pat (1966). His pride in his boys and in all their endeavors was beyond measure.

Bob earned his Professional Engineer certification in 1966 and worked as a highly capable engineer for many years. Behind his wife and sons, the pride and satisfaction Bob took from his engineering work was a defining part of his life. For 13 years, Bob worked for Trans World Airline where he specialized in the design of airplane galleys and interiors and was well-known for his engineering skills.

After retirement, Bob and Kitty hitched up their trailer and took to the road, traveling throughout the United States, visiting family and friends, casinos and fishing holes. They made repeated trips to Alaska, sometimes joined by one or more sons to stand with Bob by the fishing hole on the spit near Homer, Alaska. They remained for many years in their Raytown Home, before moving to Independence, MO in 2015.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Enrico and Lena Rauzi. He is survived by his loving wife, Kitty Rauzi of Independence, MO and his six sons: Dan Rauzi of Atlanta, GA, Mike (Molly) Rauzi of Denver, CO, David (Tammy) Rauzi of Lee’s Summit, MO, Jim Rauzi of Independence, MO, Tom (Cynthia) Rauzi of Round Rock, TX and Pat (Kim) Rauzi of Kansas City, MO. Bob was also proud of his 11 grandchildren(Christopher, Eliza< Atticus, Daniel, Stephen, Sullivan, Sofia, Clara, Joshua, Ashley and Megan) and two great-grandchildren (Madison and Ryker). In his 91 years, Bob led the life he wanted-one of adventure, accomplishment, optimism, unfailing generosity and integrity. He was a wonderful father and husband. We are saddened by his passing, but grateful for all we shared. A memorial service celebrating Bob's life will be held Wednesday, November 23, 2016 at 11:00 AM at Heartland Cremation and Burial Society, 6113 Blue Ridge Blvd., Raytown, Mo 64133. A visitation will precede the service at begin at 10:00 AM at the funeral home. Bob will be interred at Fort Leavenworth National Cemetery in Leavenworth, KS.