Alfred E. Rau (1921-2017)

RAU, LARSON, STROBEL, MERCHANT

Posted By: Mark Christian
Date: 5/17/2021 at 16:53:11

Obituary From Adams Soderstrum Funeral Home, Story County, Iowa.

Alfred (Al) E. Rau was born October 29, 1921 in a farm home near McLaughlin, South Dakota and raised during the depression and dustbowl days. He was the fifth of six children born to John and Emila Rau.

Al graduated with the McLaughlin High School Class of 1941, and then enrolled at Brookings State College before being drafted into the military in 1942. He served during WWII in the Army Air Corp for 3½ years, of which one was in the European Theatre. Al was discharged from military service in 1946 and returned to his home farm in South Dakota and enrolled in Westmar College in Le Mars, Iowa and made the heartfelt commitment to the ministry. During these years, he met Katherine L. Larson of Story City and after his graduation they married in 1949.

In the fall, Al and his new wife moved to the Naperville, Illinois where he enrolled at the Evangelical Theological Seminary. Al was ordained as a pastor in the Iowa Evangelical United Brethren Conference in 1952, which merged in 1968 with the Methodist Church to become the United Methodist Church. Al and Kathy served parishes in Ventura, Webster City/Mulberry Center, and Coon Rapids before retiring to Story City after 37 years in the ministry. He was also very active by serving on numerous community and conference committees.

Al and Kathy’s marriage was blessed and enriched with the gift of four sons, Geoffrey (mother, Mary, deceased in 1944), Stephen, Keith and Chad.

In leisure time with his family, and in their retirement years, Al enjoyed learning to fly, traveling, camping, hiking, biking, photography, painting, woodworking, and restoring cars and antiques. Al continued to be active and involved in all of these activities throughout his life.

Preceding him in death was his wife of 56 years, Katherine; his son, Geoffrey (wife, Shirley) of Des Moines; two brothers, Reiny and Leo; and a sister, Virginia.

Surviving Al are three sons, Steve (Linda) of Gunnison, Colorado, Keith (Julie) of Iowa Falls and Chad (Carrie) of Salt Lake City, Utah; many grandchildren and great grandchildren; and two sisters, Freda Strobel of Rapid City, South Dakota and LaVida Merchant of Weslaco, Texas.

One of many favored Bible verses is from the Apostle Paul, “I am not ashamed of the Gospel for it is the power of God to Salvation to all who believe."

A favorite motto/prayer, “God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference."

To Al life was a precious gift from God to be lived fully in His name.

Service
Thursday 30 Nov 10:30 AM - 11:10 AM
Grace United Methodist

624 Elm Ave.
Story City, Iowa 50248

Cemetery Details
Location
Center Cemetery
12599 Gretten Street
Story City, Iowa 50248

http://www.adamssoderstrum.com/
 

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