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BORN
1919
DIED
2011
FUNERAL HOME
Walter Rau Obituary
A Mass of Christian Burial for Walter will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, March 1, at St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Church in Beal City with Father Patrick Jankowiak officiating. Interment will follow in the St. Joseph Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 28, and 9:30 a.m. until the time of Service on Tuesday, March 1, at St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Church. There will be a Prayer Service at 7 p.m. Monday evening at the church. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Joseph the Worker School. Envelopes will be available at the church.
Walt was born in Beal City at his home on Feb. 27, 1919, the son of Louis and Albina (Boge) Rau. He served his country in the U.S. Army during World War II from April 1942 until Dec. 1945. Walt married Edna M. (Doll) Smith on Nov. 22, 1941, in Beal City. They were married for over 69 years.
Upon returning from the war, Walt and Doll purchased the Beal City Store from her parents, Edward N. and Louise Smith. They owned and operated Rau's Foodland until 1981. Walt also attended Ferris College on the G.I. Bill, completing a refrigeration course. He also worked for Holly Carburetor in Clare.
Walt was a life-time member of the Beal City Knights of Columbus Council #3651 and the VFW Borley-Hanel Post. He was also a member of the Beal City Business Association and the Moose Lodge. Walt enjoyed woodworking.
Walt is survived by his wife, Edna "Doll" Rau; children, Ginny Rau of Beal City, Delores (Fred) Gould of Beal City, Larry (Sheila) Rau of Beal City, Dale (Sherry) Rau of Grand Haven, and Deb Neubecker of Beal City; 17 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; four sisters, Rosemarie Funnell of Mt. Pleasant, Margaret (Dale) Noble of Shepherd, Gertie Brownlee of Sanford, Mary Irene (Fred) Zeien of Beal City, and one brother Norman (Pat) Rau of Coldwater Lake; four sisters-in-law Edna T. Rau, Eileen Rau, Sally Rau and Gaye Rau.
Walt was preceded in death by his parents; four brothers, Harold, Stephen, Raymond, Donald; and son-in-law Bob Neubecker.
Walt's family expresses their sincere gratitude to all of the great people at the Medical Care Facility.
You may view Walt's obituary online and send a condolence to the family at www.clarkfuneralchapel.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Walter Rau
Char Slater
March 16, 2011
Dolly and family: I was so sorry to hear about Walt's passing. I have many fond memories of my good next door neighbors growing up in Beal City. Thinking of you all and wishing you well.
March 8, 2011
Ginny and Family,
We are sorry to hear of your Dad's passing.
I truly wish I had the magic words to remove the heartache. May God comfort everyone during this time of grieving.
Marlene Budge and Harry
Jasmine Rau
March 2, 2011
RIP Great Grandpa! My thoughts, prayers and love go out to all my family.
March 2, 2011
We are very sorry to hear of Walt's passing. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time. Bill and Sandi Boyd and family
Larry/Jeri Benson
March 1, 2011
We have many fond memories of Walt. His legacy lives on in his beautiful family. We hold all of you in our heart at this difficult time.
Julie Salisbury
February 28, 2011
Debbie:
Thinking of you and your family during this sad time. My heartfelt prayers go out to you and may you feel the strength and comfort of GOD's loving arms around you.
Joe and Brenda Pung
February 28, 2011
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
February 28, 2011
Deb: So sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. Diane Visich
Gary and Mary Smalley
February 28, 2011
We are so sorry for your loss. Out thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Tiffany Woodruff
February 26, 2011
We are sorry for the families loss and our thoughts and prayers are with them.
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Clark Family Funeral Chapel & Cremation Service114 S. Bradley, Mount Pleasant, MI 48858
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