John William Bausch, age 84, lifelong resident of Venango, PA, passed away on Friday, July 12, 2013 at Crawford County Care Center, Saegertown, PA. Born on March 4, 1929 in Fairview, PA, John was a son of the late Frank Bausch and Orinda Struechen Bausch. He married the former Shirley Lasher on December 30, 1950 and she preceded him in death on February 20, 2006.

Bausch, John WilliamJohn was employed at Carnation Milk Company in Cambridge Springs for forty three years, managed the Cambridge Springs Skat Gas Station for five years, and was a security guard at Edinboro University for three years. Following his retirement, he worked for ten years with his son at Bausch’s Service Station in Cambridge Springs until November 1, 2010.

John joined the Venango Volunteer Fire Department on June 20, 1950 and was a lifetime member serving at various times as Chief, Vice-President, President, Treasurer, and Dispatcher and also with the Fire Police . He served for eight years on the Venango Boro Council and he and his wife, Shirley, served as Chairpersons of the Fruit and Vegetable exhibits at the Crawford County Fair for twenty years. In addition, John served as a trustee of the Venango Lutheran Church until its closing. He was a little league coach and was a Scout Master for the Boy Scouts. Currently, he was a member of the Venango United Methodist Church.

Surviving John are three daughters – Patricia Higgins and her husband, Ben of Cambridge Springs and their children: Jennifer, Marsha, Benjamin, and Jessica; Paulette Klinginsmith of Venango and her children: Melissa, Terry, Jr., and Kelly; and Shelley Bausch of Venango; his son – John Bausch II and his wife, Kathy of Edinboro and their children: Nathan, Dustin, and Meghan. He is also survived by twenty one great grandchildren. John was preceded in death by his parents and his wife, Shirley of 56 years and by a brother – Miles Bausch; a son-in-law – Terry Klinginsmith; and a grandchild – William Benjamin Higgins.

Friends may call at the Van Matre Family Funeral Home in Cambridge Springs on Monday from 2-4 and 7-9 and are invited to attend funeral services there on Tuesday at 10:00. Officiating will be Reverend Christine Rogan, former pastor of the Venango United Methodist Church. Interment will be in Venango Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Venango United Methodist Church, 21472 Church Street, Venango, PA 16440 or to the Venango Volunteer Fire Department Scholarship Fund, 21486 Meadville Street, Venango, PA 16440.