Page 367 - John G. Rauser. One of the important and flourishing businesses of Grand Rapids is the Rauser Quality Sausage Company, located at 645 Bridge street. John G. Rauser, the proprietor of this enterprise, was born in Grand Rapids, January 13, 1895, the son of John and Sophie Rauser, the former of whom was a native of Germany. John Rauser, the father, came to the United States when a young man, settling in Grand Rapids where he went into the sausage manufacturing business in 1891, the factory being located on Bridge street west of the present factory. His trade grew so fast that he was soon forced to build a three-story plant, which is the present home of the Rauser Quality Sausage Company. He died in 1908, and his widow is still living in Grand Rapids. John G. Rauser was educated in the Grand Rapids public schools. Following the death of his father in 1908, the company was released to William Burns, and in 1912, John G. Rauser and his brother, Otto, took over the management of the company, which they have since continued to operate. In addition to the trade which they enjoy in Grand Rapids, all small towns within a radius of 125 miles of the city form the market for the product of the company. In April, 1924, John G. Rauser bought the interests of his brother in the plant, leaving him the sole proprietor of the company. The daily output of the factory is between 3,000 and 3,500 pounds of sausage, a record which has won for the firm the name of being one of the substantial manufacturing concerns in the city. In April, 1914, Mr. Rauser was united in marriage with Miss Ida Vander Woude, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Vander Woude, pioneer residents of Grand Rapids. Two children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Rauser. They are Virginia and Claudia. Mr. Rauser is an active member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and he affiliates with the Congregational church. The Rauser’s have a summer home on an island in Angel Lake, where Mr. Rauser spends much of his leisure time hunting and fishing. The raising of pedigreed setters and hunting dogs is a particular hobby of his, and one in which he has been singularly successful.