Paul R. Rau

Frankenmuth, MI

Loving husband, father and brother, Paul Raymond Rau, age 75, passed away peacefully March 26, 2024 at his home surrounded by his family. Paul was born in Saginaw, MI on July 13, 1948 to the late Anita (Rupprecht) and Raymond E. Rau. Paul grew up in Frankenmuth, attended St. Lorenz Grade School and graduated from Frankenmuth High School in 1966. After graduation, Paul attended Ferris State College, graduating in 1971 with a degree in Business.  While attending Ferris Paul was a member of Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity and met his future wife, Marcia Hrit. They married in 1970 and welcomed their first child, Melissa, in 1971.

After graduating from Ferris with a bachelor's degree Paul enlisted in the Army. He was stationed in Seckenheim Germany (near Heidelberg) at CENTAG (Central Army Group NATO Military Formation). His wife and daughter Melissa joined Paul in Germany. They lived in Seckenheim, Germany and have many fond memories of life in Germany. In 1973 Paul was honorably discharged and welcomed another daughter Jennifer.

Paul and his family moved back to Frankenmuth in 1978 where his wife Marcia and daughter Melissa currently reside. He completed his Master of Business Administration degree at Saginaw Valley State University in 1983. Paul worked as an accountant for over 30 years.

Paul loved auto racing. He attended the Indianapolis 500 for over 45 years.  Paul attended the 100th Anniversary of the Indianapolis 500 in 2016 with his immediate and Indy family.  He also enjoyed college sports, especially the annual MSU and U of M football rivalry having attended/watched this game for 34 continuous years.  He lived in a house divided but understood that he bled green with perhaps a thin line of maize and blue. Paul was an avid reader of military history and also enjoyed listening to a variety of music. He ran track in the Senior Olympics. Paul became a member of Blessed Trinity Catholic Church on April 18,1987.

Paul loved to travel and spend time with his family and friends.  He and his family made many trips to San Francisco where his daughter Jennifer established her career as a veterinarian. A highlight of his travels was a trip back to Germany in 2012. Paul and his family stayed with a German family and became quick friends. Renate Herrmann, a friend he met on this trip, arranged for a trip from Gunzenhausen for a visit back to Seckenheim where Paul had been stationed in 1971.

He had great admiration for his father Raymond who survived the Bataan Death March and was a Prisoner of War for 3 and 1/2 years. He enjoyed taking his father to Frankenmuth basketball games, car races and college football games.

He was preceded in death by his parents Raymond E. and Anita Rau, in-laws Irene and Charles Hrit, brother-in-law Fred Fox and a special Tante Marie and Onkel Tom Fechter.

Besides his wife Marcia, Paul is survived by his daughters Melissa Rau and Dr. Jennifer Rau (Roman Stange), Brother Colonel Carl Rau (Kathy), Niece Janell (Anthony) Plana  children Stuart, Anthony, William and Lydia, nephew Andrew Rau (Jennifer) his daughter Lily, special cousins Darlene Lindow(Chuck), Lori Lindow (Ken Pippert), Ron Lindow, brother-in-law Mark Hrit, sister-in-law Carol Fox, many Hrit family members especially Aunt Irene and Aunt Dottie who retired in Frankenmuth, special friend Rick Monk (RA) and family who he enjoyed great times with on his boat, at auto races (especially at Indy) and football games.

Funeral liturgy will take place on Saturday, April 6, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at Blessed Trinity Catholic Church, 958 E. Tuscola Rd., Frankenmuth, Michigan. Fr. Patrick Jankowiak will officiate with burial in Blessed Trinity Cemetery. Funeral Mass will be livestreamed at https://www.btmuth.org/current-livestream-mass.html. Paul's family will receive visitors at Cederberg Funeral Home of Frankenmuth, 590 N. Franklin St. on Friday from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., with a prayer service at 7:00 p.m. and on Saturday at the church from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to Michigan Heroes Museum, Blessed Trinity Catholic Church, or Frankenmuth Community Foundation (Frankenmuth City Beautification Fund).

The family would like to express their heartfelt thanks to: brother-in-law Mark Hrit, sister-in-law Carol Fox, Dr. Michael Butman, Dr. Barmada at the University of Michigan, Covenant VNA palliative and hospice staff members and various family and friends who provided support and dedicated care for Paul.

Arrangements entrusted to Cederberg Funeral Home of Frankenmuth. Please sign our guest book or share an online condolence with the family at www.cederbergfh.com.