On Friday, August 9, 2019, Fred George Rau Jr., loving father of five children, eleven grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren passed away at the age of 79. We rejoice that he is now in heaven rejoined with his beloved wife of 36 years, Donna Dee Rau.
Fred was born March 2, 1940, in Berwyn, Illinois, to parents Fred Rau Sr. and Violet Schallau Rau. His mother died during childbirth and we celebrate that Fred will now meet his mother in heaven. Fred was raised in Maywood, Illinois and graduated from Proviso High School. On November 11, 1959, he married his high school sweet heart Donna Dee Wright and they were married until Donna’s death on May 9, 1997. Fred worked for the US Postal Service as a Mail Carrier for over 30 years until retirement. He resided in Glendale Heights, Illinois and then Glen Ellyn, Illinois. Fred moved to Lawrence, Kansas in 2016 to be closer to family and lived there for the remainder of his life.
Fred loved delivering mail to bring joy and a smile to everyone he encountered through-out his days. His life is characterized by diligent hard work in providing for his family. He held several jobs in addition to his full time post office career, and always found a way to attend his children’s sports and activities to support them. Fred and Donna were active members of the Good Shephard Lutheran Church in Glendale Heights, Illinois and later St. John’s Lutheran Church in Wheaton, Illinois where they led youth group activities and were always the first to volunteer to host events and tell their children and their friends about the Good News of Jesus Christ. Even during these last few months when his health was failing, Fred would still have a good word and friendly comment to bring Jesus’ love to his nurses and doctors to brighten their day.
Fred is survived by five children: Mark Rau (Melissa Rau, Topeka KS), Tammy Moszeter (Tym Moszeter, Lawrence KS), Kris Rau (Glen Ellyn, IL), Greg Rau (Carol Rau, Lawrence KS), and Beth White (Paul White, Mason, OH). Grandchildren: Jillian Baker (Mark Baker, Eureka Springs, MO), Ben Singleton (St. Louis MO), Darcy Smith (Brian Smith, Dallas TX), John Rau, (Lawrence KS), Ainsley White (Mason, OH), Paxton White (Naval Base San Diego), Christian White (Mason OH), Sofie White (Mason OH), Isabella White (Mason OH), Jackson Rau (Lawrence KS), William Rau (Lawrence KS). Great-grandchildren: Mark Baker Jr., Lily Baker, Lola Baker (Eureka Springs MO), Gentry Smith (Dallas TX).
Fred was preceded in death by his father Fred Rau Sr., mother Violet Schaullau Rau, step-mother May Knutsen Rau, sister Barbara Rau Hoellerich, and his beloved bride, Donna Rau.
The family plans a graveside service in Glen Ellyn, Illinois to celebrate Fred’s life at a later date yet to be determined. Condolences to the family can be sent in care of Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, 601 Indiana Street Lawrence, KS 66044.
