Harlan Rau

Harlan R. Rau, age 76 of Westfield, passed away on Tuesday, December 10, 2013 in Portage while under the care of his family and Home Health United Hospice. He was born on March 3, 1937 in the Town of Ludington, Eau Claire County, Wisconsin to William and Christine (Mueller) Rau. Harlan married Beverly Ann Ott on August 18, 1962 in Forest Junction, WI.

Throughout Harlan’s life he worked as a farm hand, pinsetter, soldier, factory worker, truck driver and farmer. But the occupation that he loved the most was being a farmer… he loved the land and had a great appreciation for God’s creation. Harlan and Beverly first farmed in Calumet County and later moved to a farm in Marquette County where they raised their family. They then retired and moved to the village of Westfield.

When Harlan wasn’t working he enjoyed fishing, playing Rook and Friday Night Fish Fry’s with his family. Traveling as a young man to the Swiss Alps and later in life to the Grand Canyon were memorable experiences. Harlan and Beverly, until her passing, enjoyed weekend car rides to Bayfield County WI, Ironwood MI, McGregor IA and many other places throughout the Midwest.

Harlan is survived by his 4 children, Douglas (Linda) Rau, Minneapolis, MN, David (Diane) Rau, Montello, WI, Brenda (Pat) May, Portage, WI and Joel Rau, Westfield, WI; nine grandchildren, Austin and Emily Rau, Eric, Melissa and Kelly Rau, Jessica and Cassandra May, Brandon and Isaac Rau; great grandson, Riley Rau; brother, Lawrence Rau, as well as many other relatives and friends. Harlan was preceded in death by his parents, William and Christine Rau; his wife, Beverly; siblings, Harvey Rau, Caroline Schiefelbein and Eldon Rau.

A memorial service for Harlan will be held on Saturday, January 4, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. at New Beginnings Christian Community Church, Westfield with Douglas Rau officiating. A memorial visitation will be held on Saturday from 9:00 a.m. until the hour of service at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Resurrection Lutheran School, Westfield or Home Health United Hospice.

Please take a moment to view the online guestbook. Send your condolences or share a memory of Harlan with his family.

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