Richard E. Rau

Richard passed away Christmas morning at his residence at the age 61 years in the arms of his daughter. Richard was born in Bay City on December 17, 1957 to the late Eugene and Arlene (Lynch) Rau. He was a member of St. Vincent De Paul Church and owned and operated Rau Drilling Inc. for 26 years, he was the best driller in Michigan. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus #414. He started the Bay City Baseball Club - he was a catcher who wore the tools of ignorance with great pride. Rick was a staunch Republican. You'd often be able to catch him at the Bell Bar, The Hut or The Shot & Shell where you'd have the privilege of listening to one of his political rants, enjoy a corny joke or even take in a free lesson on American History. He was a human GPS, he was tough and yet kind, he would do anything for anyone. In his spare time he enjoyed hunting, fishing and secret trips to the casino with his Debbie.
He loved his children and grandchildren more than anything and is survived by his children, Ashley (Dr. Shawn) Groth, Wendy, Ryan and Lexi Rau; grandchildren, MaKenna, Olivia, Jake Ryan, Kingston, Xaviera, Christian and Ascher; brothers, Alan (Jan) and John Rau.
Funeral Liturgy will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 29, 2018 at St. Catherine of Siena Parish. The Celebrant will be Rev. Fr. John S. Sarge with Rite of Committal following in Calvary Cemetery. Friends may visit at the Gephart Funeral Home, Inc. on Friday from 2:00 to 8:00 p.m. The Vigil for the Deceased will take place on Friday evening at 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Mr. Rau will be taken to the church on Saturday to lie in state from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the Mass. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to make a memorial contribution to the wishes of the family. For online condolences www.GephartFuneralHome.com