Robert Harry Rau, age 83, passed away on Sunday, March 12, 2023, at his home in West Branch, MI surrounded by his family. He was born on October 19, 1939, in West Branch to Harry and Edwina (Walters) Rau. Robert lived in West Branch all of his life.
On June 17, 1961, he married Lyla Meneghini in West Branch, MI.
Robert was a member of the St. Joseph Catholic Church in West Branch and the Knights of Columbus Council #2022. He worked on the family farm, Rau Farm, his whole life. In early 1970, he started his own business, Bob Rau Excavating and helped with the I-75 project with his bulldozer. Robert enjoyed snowmobiling, working in the woods in the winter, hunting, fishing on their lake property on Indian Lake in Gladwin and fishing Fletchers flood waters. He also enjoyed playing cards and family games.
Robert is survived by his loving wife Lyla Rau of West Branch; daughters Connie (Michael) Warren of Rose City, MI, Darlene Rau of Gladwin, MI, Angela Beveridge of West Branch, and Jean (Thomas) Hollenbeck of West Branch; grandchildren Jimmy (Kathy) Warren, Jared Warren, Carrie (Bo) Bodnar, Steven (Sarah) Bennett, Amanda (Matt) Doty, Jaycen (April) Warren, Samantha (Tommy) Rau-Gassman, and Abigail Beveridge; great grandchildren Degen Bednarik, Stevie Kay Bednarik, Lyla Doty, Alora Bodnar, Jacob Doty, Zelda Bodnar, Kaiden Bodnar, and Bennett Doty; and several nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his parents and siblings Eugene Rau, Maxine Dantzer, Caroline Sheehan, Gerald Rau, Audrey Beauchesne and Kathleen Groulx.
Visitation at Steuernol & McLaren Funeral Home in West Branch will begin on Friday, March 17, 2023, from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. with a rosary at 7:00 p.m. The funeral service will be held on Saturday, March 18, 2023, at St. Joseph Catholic Church at 11:00 a.m. with visitation starting at 10:00 a.m. Father Emmanuel Finbarr will officiate. Burial will follow at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery.
Memorial contributions can be made to St. Joseph Catholic School and St. Joseph Catholic Church.
Online condolences can be shared at www.steuernolmclaren.com
