Gary Fredrick Rau

Gary Rau passed away on January 11, 2024, in Ola, ID at the age of 78.  

Gary was born May 1, 1945, in Cumberland, WI to Betty (Drury) and Roy Rau.  He was raised near Barron, WI on a dairy farm with his 2 siblings.  He moved to Minneapolis, MN where he meet his wife of 55 years, Linda Welberg.  Gary then spent a tour in Vietnam with the Marines.  After moving to St. Paul, MN, and starting a family, Gary, Linda, and their 2 daughters shared many adventures dreamed up by Gary. His favorite Minnesota activities were biking and cross-country skiing.

Gary and Linda explored retirement in Tuscon AZ, but eventually made Ola, ID their retirement home.  Gary and Linda enjoyed the supportive community and beauty of the Ola area.  Gary could frequently be seen walking in the hills above Ola with a dog companion or kayaking with Linda on the local rivers and lakes.  He enjoyed experimenting with fused glass art and sold some of his creations online and at art shows.  He liked to share stories about farm life, Vietnam, building his kayak, and his various art projects. 

He will be deeply missed by his family and friends.

He is survived by wife Linda (Welberg), daughters Kathy (Mick) Riffie & Joanna (Jeff Frank) Rau, sister Jackie Holman, and brother Brad (Barbara) Rau.

No services will be held.  In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to your favorite charity and get outside for a walk.

You may use this link for Gary's Remembrance Page: https://my.gather.app/remember/gary-rau

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