Alton James Rau
Alton James Rau beloved husband, son and brother was born Oct. 18, 1934 in Yorktown to Oscar and Lillie Kelch Rau.
He was baptized Dec. 9, 1934 at the home of William Kelch and confirmed on April 10, 1949 at St. John Lutheran Church in Lindenau. Alton’s confirmation verse and words he lived by was Matthew 6:33, “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”
He was a lifetime member of St. John Lutheran Church in Lindenau where he served as a Sunday school teacher and served on the church council for many years.
On Oct. 28, 1995 he married Carol Ann Dierschke at St. John Lutheran Church, Lindenau. He and Carol never had children, but they had dogs and he became so attached to those dogs, they were like his children.
He attended school in Lindenau through 9th grade, when that school was consolidated with Westhoff school district he went to Cuero High School and graduated in 1953. After graduation he attended Baldwin’s Business School in Yoakum.
He started working in the grocery business at Boysen’s Super Market in Cuero. He worked for Stanley’s Grocery Stores for many years as a produce supervisor and store manager and later for Super S stores in Port Lavaca, Bay City, Cuero and Mathis. He was in partnership with convenience stores in Yorktown and Shiner. He owned a store in Petersville for several years. Then Alton and his brother, Franklin purchased a store in Hallettsville.
Survivors include his wife, Carol; his brother, Franklin (Susie) Rau of Lockhart; his sisters, Elva Petersen of Cuero, Joy (Mike) Gyllenband of Austwell and Margie (Michael) Poenitzsch of Cuero; nieces and nephews, Kirk Harrell, Karen Harrell Feril, Kimberley Stine, Troy Poenitzsch, Tammy Poenitzsch Reynolds, Randy Rau, Deborah Rau Schulte, Matthew Rau, Erica Petersen Moore, David Petersen and Ryan Gyllenband.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Marie Harrell; brothers-in-law, Gladney Harrell and John Peterson and nephew, Derek Collins.
Visitation began at 5 p.m. and continued until 7 p.m., Tuesday, May 24 at Freund Funeral Home.
Funeral services were held at 10 a.m., Wednesday, May 25 at St. John Lutheran Church in Lindenau with Rev. Ron Walter officiating.
Interment followed at Lindenau Community Cemetery.
Pallbearers includes Randy Martin, Ed Biehunko, Kirk Harrell, Troy Poenitzsch, Randy Rau, David Peterson, Matthew Rau and Ryan Gyllenband.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. John Lutheran Church in Lindenau, Lindenau Community Cemetery or Accent Hospice.
A special thank you to his caretaker, Wendy McPherson, Dr. Mehran Nezhad as well as hospice caretakers, Christine, Laura, Rose, Mindy and Kelly.
You may sign the guestbook or send condolences at www.freundfuneralhome.com.