Dennis Rau
February 20, 1945 - May 22, 2016
Obituary
RAU, Dennis O. of Saginaw Township, Michigan, passed away on Sunday, May 22, 2016 at his home, surrounded by family. He was 71 years old. Dennis Otto Rau was born on February 20, 1945 in Bay City, Michigan to the late Otto and Emily (Leinberger) Rau. He married Diane Leinberger on September 19, 1965; she survives him. Dennis graduated from Handy High School in Bay City. For a majority of his life, he cared for the family farm, Dennis Rau & Son. He could be found cultivating and harvesting sugar beets, pickles, corn, and navy and soy beans. He also raised cattle. He loved his farm as if it was part of the family. The family went on to own and operate D & D Farm Market in Houghton Lake. Dennis and Diane were lifetime members of St. John Amelith Lutheran Church. In his spare time, Dennis got together with his friends and played euchre, enjoyed gardening, was an avid hunter and fisherman, but loved nothing more than spending time with his family. Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 50 years, Diane; three daughters and one son: Becki Rau and boyfriend, Alan Love, Shelly (Craig) Bartholomy, Karri (Anthony) Dill, and Michael (Robin) Rau; ten grandchildren: Jessica (Chad), Samantha, Dominique, Rachelle, Faith, Kaylee, Kortnee, Kaitlyn, Piper, and Paige; three great-grandchildren: Hunter, Hayden, and MaKayla; six sisters: Judy (Richard) Kraenzlein, Jean (Robert) Wegener, Linda (Richard) Schroeder, Annette (Thomas) Klumpp, Mary (Micky) Gray, and Joy (Scott) Mollenhauer; and extended family members and many friends. Dennis was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Gail Rau. FUNERAL: Funeral Services will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, May 26, 2016 at St. John Amelith Lutheran Church, 1664 Amelith Road, Bay City, MI 48706. Rev. Stephen Starke will officiate. A crop tour will follow the funeral and burial will take place at St. John Amelith Lutheran Church Cemetery. VISITATION: Friends are welcome to visit with the family at the Deisler Funeral Home, 2233 Hemmeter Rd. (off State) on Wednesday, May 25, 2016 from 2:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. On Thursday morning, Dennis will be taken to church to lie in state from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service. MEMORIALS: In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to the discretion of the family, c/o Diane Rau. Please share your thoughts and memories with the family at the funeral home, church, or through www.deislerfuneralhome.com.
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Memories
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Dawn Myas
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I have many memories of the Rau Family. One of the best decisions I made was applying for a Job at the Market. I not only got a fun job but a up north family as well! I was accepted as one of the kids and my boys as grandkids. Family dinners, weddings, graduations everything. The girls and I even tricked Mike into thinking I was a real daughter!
Thanks so much for all the love and caring you gave me and my boys. You are much loved and missed so much already. love Dawn
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Dawn Myas
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Dawn Myas lit a candle in memory of Dennis Otto Rau
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Joann Zoellner
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Our love and sympathy to Diane and the whole family. Dennis was a special man and we have many wonderful memories from the past when the kids were young. Mel remembers all the BBQ'S they did together with Smokey, Archie, Glen and departed friend Jerry Lutz. They always did Pig Roasts, chicken and corn on the cob for special occasions or for just fun and a get together. Heaven just got a good man and a great cook. Rest In Peace our dear friend. Mel and Joann Zoellner
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Ben
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Very sorry for your loss. My thoughts are with you and yours.
We remember laughter, the good times. That's why his death touches us so deeply. Don't cry because his life is over. Smile because he lived.
Dennis, you will be missed on this earth by so many people. It is so sad that you were taken, God must have big plans for you! Until we meet again my friend. Rest in peace.
Ben Paulson
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ASSEMBLERS, INC
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ASSEMBLERS, INC purchased the Floor Plant for Sympathy for the family of Dennis Otto Rau.
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Deisler Funeral Home
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Deisler Funeral Home created a Tribute Video in memory of Dennis Otto Rau