Donald Jacob Rau

NOTICE: Rock Rapids, IA        Donald Rau, age 77 of Rock Rapids, IA died Thursday, July 5, 2018 at Lyon Specialty Care in Rock Rapids, IA.     Memorial service will be 10:30 a.m. Saturday, July 14th at the Faith Baptist Church in Rock Rapids, IA, with Reverend Jeff Poppinga officiating.        Donald Jacob Rau was born September 26, 1940 on his family farm in Napoleon, North Dakota the son of Edwin and Rose (Schumacher) Rau. He grew up in Napoleon, North Dakota and at a very young age his family moved to Streeter North Dakota where he attended school and graduated high school there. He attended business college and had the special gift of talking to anyone he met. He sold Mason shoes and was a great salesman. He worked at Labelle‘s in Fargo North Dakota and later moved back to Jamestown North Dakota taking a job as a parking lot attendant at First National Bank where he met dated and married his late wife Sharon Ronngren. He enjoyed woodworking, volunteering for Boy Scouts of America, and volunteered at the Jamestown State Hospital for many years where he was awarded the honor of Volunteer of the Year for thousands of hours of his time serving the community within the State Hospital. He volunteered and proudly served as a life member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles and the Moose Lodge. He loved polka music and life in general. He was a great friend to all. His family and friends meant everything to him. He was also a member of the Jamestown Jaycees. He was a member of Saint John’s Lutheran Church and served in many capacities. He moved to Rock Rapids Iowa in 2005 to be closer to his children. In 2009 he made his Home at Lyon Specialty Care Facility. He passed away July 5, 2018; nine years to the day, with his family at his side.      He is survived by his Sister, Arlene (Al) Weidner of Bismarck, North Dakota; Daughter Vanessa (Sam) Buss-Beaubien of Doon, IA; Daughter Kay Olsen of Sioux Falls, SD; Son Gary (Roxanne) Rau of Munford, TN; along with 8 Grandchildren and 15 Great Grandchildren; 1 Niece; 1 Nephew; and 1 Great Niece and 1 Great Nephew.      He was preceded in death by his parents and a Son, Jerry R. Rau. Blessed be His memory.