Return to Station Listings
|
Thomas Anthony Rau
Born: 7/3/1940
Died: 2/5/2026
Age: 85
Community: Flint, MI
|
Thomas Anthony Rau, 85, passed away peacefully on February 5, 2026. Born July 3, 1940, in Flint, Michigan, to Clayton John Rau and Bernice Agnes (Murphy). Tom had a happy and carefree childhood in Flint and also loved wandering the woods of West Branch with many friends and cousins.
Tom graduated from Holy Redeemer High School where he enjoyed playing football and basketball, acting in theater and many other school activities. After high school, Tom worked as an X-Ray Technician in Bay City, where he met his future wife, Elaine Hammis, who was a nursing student. They married in 1961. He then attended Michigan State University to earn his teaching degree.
Over the years he also worked as a school teacher and a GM salaried worker and eventually retired to Townline Lake where he enjoyed time fishing and swimming with his kids and grandkids.
Tom loved playing euchre, watching MSU sports, and reading about history—especially the U.S. Civil War and World War II. He traveled the country with his family, camping while visiting old battlefields, historical sites, and many national parks. He never passed a roadside historical marker without stopping to read it.
Tom is predeceased by his parents; his sister, Theresa Earley; brother-in-law, James Earley; and his daughter, Andrea Beidelman (Kerry). He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Elaine; daughters Michelle Landeryou and Denise Hufford (David); sons John Rau (Hollie) and Stephen Rau (Trina); 11 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren.
Visitation will be on Monday, February 9 from 10–11 a.m. at St. Agnes Catholic Church in Freeland, MI, with Mass immediately following.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Tamarack District Library in Lakeview, Michigan.
|
Copyright © 2026 Direct Obits, LLC
| Visitation |
| Date: |
|
2/9/2026 |
| Time: |
|
10:00 AM |
| Visitation will be on Monday, February 9 from 10–11 a.m. at St. Agnes Catholic Church in Freeland, MI, with Mass immediately following. |
|
|
| Funeral Service |
| No Service |
|
Return to Station Listings
|
|
