Joseph F. Rau
November 2, 1925 — September 26, 2008
Joseph Frank Rau was born on November 2, 1925, to Anton and Veronica (Kloewer) Rau in Earling, Iowa. He was baptized and confirmed at St. Joseph�s Catholic Church in Earling, where he remained a lifelong member. Joseph attended elementary and high school at St. Joseph�s Catholic School in Earling, graduating with the Class of 1944.
He enlisted in the United States Army on October 17, 1945, serving during World War II.
Joseph started farming in 1961 on a farm near Earling and retired in 1996. His favorite pastime was going to the casinos with his friend Ray Schaben. He was an active member of the Knights of Columbus Council No. 1741 and the Earling American Legion Post No. 615. He spent every holiday with his family and would visit for hours about farming, commodity prices, and livestock. He was especially proud of his Oliver machinery.
He moved to town in 2005 and then to Little Flower Haven in May of 2008. Joseph died on Friday, September 26, 2008, having attained the age of eighty-two years, ten months, and twenty-four days. He was preceded in death by his parents, Anton and Veronica, his sister Therese Leinen, and his brother Goar Rau.
Joseph is survived by his sisters Mildred Gaul of Earling, Iowa, and Mary Carroll of Earling, brothers Harold Rau of Harlan, Iowa, and Howard Rau and his wife Dorothea of St. Louis, Missouri; his sister-in-law Jean Rau of Mommouth, Oregon; nieces and nephews, other family members, and friends.
A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Tuesday, September 30, 2008, at St. Joseph�s Catholic Church in Earling, Iowa, with Rev. Tom Coenen celebrating the 11:00 AM service. Serving as casket bearers were: Bill Leinen, Steve Rau, Bob Carroll, Don Gaul, Joe Gaul, and Ron Rau. Military Rites were performed by the Earling American Legion Post No. 615 and Shelby County VFW Helmer Reyelt Post No. 150 at St. Joseph�s Cemetery in Earling, Iowa.
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He enlisted in the United States Army on October 17, 1945, serving during World War II.
Joseph started farming in 1961 on a farm near Earling and retired in 1996. His favorite pastime was going to the casinos with his friend Ray Schaben. He was an active member of the Knights of Columbus Council No. 1741 and the Earling American Legion Post No. 615. He spent every holiday with his family and would visit for hours about farming, commodity prices, and livestock. He was especially proud of his Oliver machinery.
He moved to town in 2005 and then to Little Flower Haven in May of 2008. Joseph died on Friday, September 26, 2008, having attained the age of eighty-two years, ten months, and twenty-four days. He was preceded in death by his parents, Anton and Veronica, his sister Therese Leinen, and his brother Goar Rau.
Joseph is survived by his sisters Mildred Gaul of Earling, Iowa, and Mary Carroll of Earling, brothers Harold Rau of Harlan, Iowa, and Howard Rau and his wife Dorothea of St. Louis, Missouri; his sister-in-law Jean Rau of Mommouth, Oregon; nieces and nephews, other family members, and friends.
A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Tuesday, September 30, 2008, at St. Joseph�s Catholic Church in Earling, Iowa, with Rev. Tom Coenen celebrating the 11:00 AM service. Serving as casket bearers were: Bill Leinen, Steve Rau, Bob Carroll, Don Gaul, Joe Gaul, and Ron Rau. Military Rites were performed by the Earling American Legion Post No. 615 and Shelby County VFW Helmer Reyelt Post No. 150 at St. Joseph�s Cemetery in Earling, Iowa.
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