Ronald C. Rau

Ronald Charles Rau, Sr., died Tuesday February 2, 2016 at the age of 88. He was born in Flint, MI on October 18, 1927 to the late Flora and Peter Rau. He met his soon-to-be wife of sixty seven years, Patricia Sullivan, who survives him, prior to his military service. He married her on October 16, 1948 upon his return from the U.S. Army. Ron was employed at Michigan Bell Telephone for over 40 years. He was an active member of the Michigan Bell Pioneers, the Knights of Columbus, the Special Olympics, and many other charitable organizations. He instilled a love of family, life, work and service to his five children: Suzanne (Ken) Peters, Michael (Rophena) Rau, Deborah Rau, Ronald Jr. (Cheryl) Rau, and Jane (John) Lippmann. His kind and gentle ways will be missed by them always. He will be remembered and mourned by his grandchildren: Ryan Peters, Kyle Peters, Charles Rau, Elizabeth Rau, Michael Rau, Hannah Rau, Julianna Lippmann and Henry Lippmann. Mr. Rau enjoyed having two great-grandchildren: Ryan Peters, Jr. and McClure Peters. His extended family of nieces, nephews and cousins were very important to him and he loved having them in his life. He deeply mourned the passing of each of his brothers and sisters: Marian Beckwith, Frederick “Fritz” Rau, Aileen Gingrich, Leslie “Les” Rau, Jerome “Jerry” Rau, and Joanne Jensen. With retirement, came a move to Standish MI. Although he could no longer play softball, or go roller skating, two of the many activities he enjoyed as a younger man, he continued to enjoy nature in all its forms, long walks, and daily bicycle rides. Until recently he spent every November in the company of extended family in the woods watching the beauty of nature and perhaps eating venison. He was a faithful member of Resurrection of the Lord Catholic Church and was active in church life. He made too many friends to mention both there and in his neighborhood, but none closer than Lucille and Roger Mudge and Sharon and Bill Cronin. He truly embraced "small town” life. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him for his kind ways. A Memorial Ceremony will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to a charity of the donor's choice. Final arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Skorupski Family Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 955 N. Pine Rd., Hampton Twp. Expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family online at www.skorupskis.com.