Michael Harrison Rasch

Michael Harrison Rasch, known to some as "Harry," passed away peacefully, with his family by his side, at his Metairie home on Friday, April 7, 2023. He was 75 years old. Michael was born on Tuesday, August 5, 1947 in New Orleans, Louisiana, where he grew up. He attended St. Aloysius School in New Orleans for his early academics and graduated from De La Salle High School in 1965, where some of his lifelong friends were made. He played tenor saxophone throughout high school and for many years to follow, as he developed a love for music. Michael attended Loyola University where he received his Bachelor of Business Administration degree in 1969. As a young man he made the decision to follow in the footsteps of a family member and enter into law school so as to continue his education and move forward with a career of becoming an attorney. In an effort to support himself while he was in school, Michael played tenor saxophone in bands "The Apollos" and "The Ravin' Mads,” and he worked at the Orleans Parish penitentiary. He received his law degree from Loyola University School of Law in 1972 and was admitted to the Bar of the State of Louisiana. He was appointed certified notary public in 1973. He entered private practice and established his own firm, Dunn & Rasch, Ltd. where he served as managing partner from its inception in 1973 until its dissolution in 2000. In 1976 he was admitted to practice in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana. He was later admitted to the United States Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals and the United States Supreme Court. He had a civil practice where his focus was primarily in the areas of personal injury, divorce law, family law, wrongful death, successions, and estate planning aside from general litigation. He was General Counsel to the Louisiana State Board of Embalmers and Funeral Directors from 1973 until 2016. In 2000 Michael joined Chehardy, Sherman, Ellis, Breslin, Murray, Recile, & Griffith, L.L.P. and was an equity partner in the firm. He was recognized in New Orleans Magazine "Top New Orleans Attorneys: selected by their peers" in November 2013 for excellence in family law. He was once quoted . . "a well-crafted legal strategy starts with a well-trained counselor." Michael was an organ recipient in July 2014 which ultimately led to his withdrawal from practice and his retirement in 2016. Michael had a love for the carnival season. He was a founding member and officer of the Krewe of Centurions and served as their General Counsel as well. He was involved in this carnival organization from its inception in 1979 until his stepping back in 2004. Michael was profoundly known as the "voice" of Centurions. He loved his role as announcer and emcee for all of the formal functions associated with Centurions and expanded his role and talents as the "voice" for other organizations such as, but not limited to, the Krewe of Pygmalion, the Krewe of Alla, and the Krewe of Morpheus. Aside from his dedicated love for his work, music, and carnival, he also had a passion for nature photography and riding motorcycles. He had an incredible sense of humor, an infectious smile and laugh, and the utmost original signature. Michael's most precious devotion of love and adoration was to his family and anything associated with them. He will forever be in our hearts, minds and souls and sincerely missed by all who knew him. His legacy will be carried out indefinitely. Beloved husband of Donna Rasch; father of, Stacie Rasch, Kellie Thomas (Timothy Ellender, Jr.), Ashlie Poché (René Poché), and Michael Rasch, II (Angela Lacour); son of, the late Eileen Fletcher Rasch and Milton Julius Rasch; grandfather of, Kaiden Thomas, Korbin Thomas, Averie Poché, and Hudson Poché; brother of, Milleen Rasch Babin (Sidney Babin); uncle of, Steven Babin, Sheryl Thompson, and Sage Babin; brother-in-law of, Conrad Meyer (Ann Meyer) and the late Keith Meyer; and the "bear" to Dakota Meyer, Bryce Meyer, and Ryan Meyer. Relatives and friends are invited to attend the funeral service at L. A. Muhleisen and Son Funeral Home, 2607 Williams Blvd., Kenner, LA on Friday, April 14, 2023. Visitation from 9:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m., followed by private interment for the family at Lake Lawn Park Mausoleum. To share memories or condolences, please visit www.muhleisen.com.

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Michael Harrison Rasch

August 5, 1947 - April 7, 2023