A Memorial Mass for Gilbert F. Rau, 77, will be celebrated at 10:00 A.M., Saturday, December 10, 2022 at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Lander, WY with military graveside rites to follow at Mount Hope Cemetery. A Rosary will be prayed preceding the Memorial Mass at 9:00 A.M. at Holy Rosary. Immediately following the inurnment, a luncheon will be held at Holy Rosary Boeseke Hall.
The mass will be available for live stream at Holy Rosary Catholic Church Facebook page. (Facebook.com/HolyRosaryLander)
Gil passed away very peacefully on Monday afternoon, December 5, 2022, with his wife and a sister-in-law by his side. Gil had been praying for a peaceful and quick passing and God gave him that gift. It was truly beautiful.
Gil was born on April 13, 1945, son of Gilbert F. and Lidwina (Eisterhold) Rau in Harlan, Iowa. He grew up on the family farms in Shelby and Crawford Counties, Iowa, graduating from Manilla High School in Manilla, Iowa. After graduation Gil was hired by the Union Pacific Railroad to work as a communication lineman to work between Omaha, Nebraska and Ogden, Utah. During his employment with the Union Pacific, he was drafted by the United States Army to serve his country during the Vietnam War as a Sargent. He was very proud and honored to serve his country for two years. After being honorably discharged from the Army, Gil began his 34-year career with Mountain Bell and all the changes it went through, and that brought him to Lander, Wyoming.
On November 25, 1972, Gil and Mary Anne Gianola Rau were joined in Holy Matrimony in Kemmerer, Wyoming.
A few hobbies that were special to Gil included riding his motorcycle, making wine from his home grown grape crop and various other fruits, brewing beer with homegrown hops, photography and developing his own pictures in his darkroom. He also enjoyed the outdoors, especially fishing, camping, gardening, and landscaping.
Gil was a very devoted Catholic and was very active in the Church. He was a lifetime member of the local Knights of Columbus Council 5447 at Holy Rosary and a lifetime member of the 4th Degree of the Knights. He served many officer roles and enjoyed the camaraderie of his fellow knights. Gil was also a lifetime member of the local American Legion.
Survivors include his wife, Mary Anne of Lander, WY; son, Paul of Cody, WY and his children, Landon, Porter and Dawson; son, Brodie and his wife Amy of Eden Prairie, MN and their children, Carter and Maggie; siblings, Martha Bissen, Verla Mumm, Merv Nelson, Pat Kuether and Judy Jones.
He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings, Dorothy Gaul, Mamie Grote, Mike Rau, Leo Rau, Zita Bruck, Alma Kramer, Leonard Rau, Sr., Lita Rau, Jeanette Mikels.
Memorials may be made to The ALS Association Rocky Mountain Chapter, 10855 Dover Street, Suite 500, West Minster, CO 80021; Enhabit Hospice Foundation, 230 North 1st, Lander, WY 82520; or Knights of Columbus, 262 Washakie Street, Lander, WY 82520.
On-line condolences may be made at TheDavisFuneralHome.com
Arrangements are under the direction of Davis Funeral Home, Crematory, and Monuments.