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Mr. Donald E. Rau, Sr., age 89 of Newaygo, peacefully passed away and joined his beloved wife and best friend of 60 years, Dorothy, Thursday, September 2, 2004 at his residence in Newaygo. He was born Donald Eugene Rau, Sr. in Grand Rapids, the son of Matilda Barbara (Straus) and Gottlieb Rau on December 16, 1914. He married Dorothy Mae Tolenaar on July 25, 1936 in Grand Rapids and she preceded him in death on June 27, 1997. He was the Co-Founder of Swift Printing, Grand Rapids, established in 1955 until Nov. 8, 1975. He was a communicant of St. Bartholomew Catholic Church-Newaygo, a dedicated family man and a devout Catholic attending Mass daily, and was a Life member of Dad's Post of the VFW #4249 in Newaygo.

He is survived by his children Phyllis & Dick Venema of Grant, Roger & Peggy Rau of Wyoming, Donald, Jr. & Dianna Rau of Thompsonville, Michael & Linda Rau of Spring Lake, Timothy & Beth Rau of Belmont, Charles & Jan Rau of Sparta, 13 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren, 3 great-great-grandchildren, his brothers and sisters Ken & Norma Rau of Sand Lake, Richard Rau of CA, Dorothy & Leonard Novak of Grand Rapids, Betty Rau of Kentwood, Fred & Mary Rau of Newaygo, Louis Rau of Kentwood.

A Scripture service will be held 7:30 P. M. Monday, Sep. 6, 2004 at the funeral home. The Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 A. M from the St. Bartholomew Catholic Church, Newaygo on Tuesday, September 7, 2004 with Father Tom Boufford as Celebrant. Interment will be in the St. Bartholomew Cemetery. Visitation will be held 2-4 & 7-9 P. M. Monday at the McKinley Newaygo Chapel and 10-11 A. M. service time at the church. For Memorials please consider the VFW National Home and/or Ronald McDonald House.
McKinley Funeral Home, Newaygo 231-652-5613. http:\\mckinleyfuneral.com