Obituary of Dennis Otto Rau

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.