Surrounded by his family, Dr. Richard Lee “Rick” Rauck passed away on October 21, 2025, at the age of 69.
Whether he was sailing the BVI, cultivating for future generations the family’s property in the North Carolina Mountains or cycling FAST with friends, Rick lived life to the fullest and unapologetically. “It’s better to beg for forgiveness than to ask for permission” was more than a platitude, it was a foundation for his well lived life of adventure, kindness, laughter and joy.
Rick was born to Robert and Elizabeth Rauck, and raised in Hamilton, Ohio. Rick brought his mid-western charm South to attend Davidson College, in Davidson, N.C., where he graduated Magna Cum Laude and was a member of Phi Beta Kappa. Rick then headed to Winston Salem, N.C. to attend the Wake Forest University School of Medicine – where he was President of his medical school class and started his lifelong commitment to the fields of Anesthesiology and Pain Management. Of all the accolades and recognition Rick achieved while at Wake, his greatest reward came from attending a “sex education class” where he met the love of his life, and wife of 42 years, Katie.
After graduating from Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Rick and Katie headed to the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine where Rick served his Residency in Anesthesiology and his Fellowship in Pain Management. Having been awarded Diplomate of the American Board of Anesthesiology, Rick and Katie returned to Winston Salem where Rick served in various faculty positions at Wake Forest University School of Medicine and focused on clinical research and patient care. In 2004 Rick founded Carolinas Pain Institute where he continued as a leader in the pain management field and trained Fellows in Pain Management.
As accomplished as Rick’s professional career, Rick was a tireless leader and mentor in his community. A lifelong cycling enthusiast, Rick was especially proud of founding the annual “Gears & Guitars” bike race and concert event held for the past 12 years in Downtown Winston’s Bailey Park. Everyone was welcome to the party in the “bigger than life” world of Rick Rauck. If Rick was your friend, you knew you were loved.
In addition to his parents, Robert and Elizabeth, Rick was predeceased by his brother, Robert Rauck, of Los Angeles, Calif.
Rick is survived by his wife, Katie Rauck; daughter, Lauren Rauck Komanski (Chris), of Asheville, N.C.; daughter, Catherine Lee Rauck, of Marshall, N.C.; sister, Beverly Kelly (Richard), of San Diego, Calif.; grandchildren, Jack Rauck Komanski and Luke Woods Komanski; Rick’s beloved triplet sisters-in-law, Lisa Jasmund (David), Mary Senne (Jerry) and Susan Jenkins (Wayne); Rick’s cherished nieces, nephews and too many valued friends to count.
A Celebration of Rick’s Life will take place on November 1, 2025 at 10 a.m. at the Centenary United Methodist Church, 646 W. 5th St., Winston Salem.
In lieu of flowers, Rick’s family requests that any gifts in Rick’s memory be directed to: The National Cycling Center to Support Gears & Guitars, in memory of Rick Rauck, P.O. Box 20233, Winston Salem, NC 27120 (www.usncc.org – and look for the link to honor Rick’s memory); or to the Piedmont Land Conservancy, in memory of Rick Rauck, P.O. Box 4025, Greensboro, NC 27404. Condolences may be shared online at www.salemfh.com.