Katherine L. Rau (1927-2006)

RAU, LARSON, THOMPSON

Posted By: Mark Christian
Date: 12/24/2007 at 21:34:20

The Story County Herald, Story City, Story County, Iowa, Wednesday, January 11, 2006.

Katherine L. Rau, 78, died Sunday, Jan. 8, 2006. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, Jan. 11 at 10:30 am. at Grace United Methodist Church. Burial will be in Center Cemetery near Story City.

Katherine L. Rau was born April 20, 1927 to Amilia and Lewis S. Larson at their farm home west of Story City. She was baptized in the Christian faith as an infant and was an active member of the church in worship, Sunday School, youth fellowship, choir, and church office work.

Before enrolling at Western University (Westmar) College in LeMars, Iowa, she worked at the doctors home/office in Story City. She graduated from college with a teaching certificate in hand and taught elementary grades in McCallsburg and Story City.

Katherine was united in marriage to Alfred E. Rau on May 29, 1949 in the Evangelical United Brethern Church in Story City. In the fall they moved to Naperville, Illinois where he was enrolled in the Evangelical Theological Seminary.

Along with Al they started their pastoral itinerary in 1952 ministering in churches in Ventura, Webster City, Coon Rapids and retiring in 1986 to their home at 805 Park in Story City.

The marriage union was blessed and enriched with four sons, Geoffrey Earl (mother deceased 1944), Stephen Lewis, Keith Alfred, and Chad Allan.

Katherine found fullfillment in being a stay-at-home loving wife and mom nuturing and attending to family and parish needs, teaching in Church School, singing in the church choirs, church and community womens groups (P.E.O. Coon Rapids), helping in Youth Fellowships, and doing volunteer service.

Survivors include her sons and families, Geoffrey of Des Moines, Stephen and Linda of Gunnison Co., Keith and Julie of Iowa Falls, and _ Chad and Carrie of Salt Lake City, Utah; ten grandchildren, Angie and Jeff Jr., Kara and Brandon, Scott and Anna, Emily and Abby, and Katelyn and Kyle; and six great-grandchildren, Donny, Amanda, Brian, Christopher, Ethan, and Falcon. Also surviving her are her sister, Mildred Thompson of Story City and children, and brother, Dr. Robert Larson and his wife Helen of Story City and children.

Preceding her in death were her parents, grandparents, uncles and aunts.

Memorials may be made to Red Bird Mission, Grace United Methodist Church, or Homeward Hospice.