Thomas Rau

Thomas Rau, age 81, of Olivia, MN died peacefully on Sunday, November 28, 2021 at the Olivia Hospital. Mass of Christian Burial will be on Monday, December 6 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Aloysius Catholic Church in Olivia with Father Joe Steinbeisser as celebrant. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Visitation is Sunday, December 5, from 4 to 6 p.m. at Dirks-Blem Funeral Home in Olivia and will continue for one hour prior to the service on Monday at the church.

Thomas Leo Rau was born on October 18, 1940 to Leo and Everdina (deGrood) Rau in St. Cloud, MN. In 1958, Tom graduated from Cathedral High School in St. Cloud. Following graduation he joined the Marine Corps and served for four years. He then attended St. Cloud State University where he received a Bachelor’s degree and did some law enforcement training allowing him to become a conservation officer for the DNR. Tom also served a combination of 29 years in different branches of the military. On October 12, 1968, Thomas was united in marriage to Elizabeth “Betty” Cavanaugh at St. Timothy’s Catholic Church in Maple Lake, MN. Their marriage was blessed with three children. In March of 1995 after 27 years, he retired from being a conservation officer. Following his retirement he kept busy working for Mycogen Seed in their research department, for the U.S. Postal Service, and for Renville County transporting prisoners . Tom enjoyed reading, puzzles, and traveling. He loved the outdoors; fishing, working in the garden, and doing yard work brought him much joy. Tom was a member of the American Legion and Knights of Columbus. He was a very active member of St. Aloysius Catholic Church; serving on many councils, committees, and various roles. Tom was the recipient of the Bishop’s Medal of Service. He was a family man and always enjoyed time spent with his grandchildren.

Tom is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Elizabeth “Betty” of Olivia; his children: Lisa Rau of Olivia, Christopher Rau of Minneapolis, and Laura Rau of Frisco, TX; his grandchildren: Bodhi, Macy, River, Giuliana, and Salvatore; his sister, Doreen Bengtson of Lewiston, MN; and many other relatives. Tom was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Renee Rau.

Blessed Be His Memory

Dirks-Blem Funeral Service, Olivia, MN