Alton James Rau

Alton James Rau, beloved husband, son and brother, was born October 18, 1934, to the late Oscar and Lillie Kelch Rau. He was baptized and confirmed at St. John Lutheran Church in Lindenau. He was a lifetime member of St. John Lutheran Church in Lindenau where he served as a Sunday school teacher and served on the church council for many years.

He married Carol Ann Dierschke on October 28, 1995, at St. John Lutheran Church, Lindenau. He and Carol never had children, but they had dogs and he became so attached to those dogs, they were like his children.

He attended school in Lindenau through 9th grade, when that school was consolidated with Westhoff school district he went to Cuero High School and graduated in 1953.  After graduation, he attended Baldwin’s Business School in Yoakum. He started working in Cuero in the grocery business at Boysen’s Super Market. He worked for Stanley’s Grocery Stores for many years as a produce supervisor and store manager and later for Super S stores in Port Lavaca, Bay City, Cuero and Mathis. He was in partnership with convenience stores in Yorktown and Shiner. He owned a store in Petersville for several years. Then Alton and his brother, Franklin purchased a store in Hallettsville.

He is survived by his wife, Carol; his brother, Franklin (Susie) Rau of Lockhart; his sisters, Elva Petersen of Cuero, Joy (Mike) Gyllenband of Austwell and Margie (Michael) Poenitzsch of Cuero; nieces and nephews, Kirk Harrell, Karen Harrell Feril, Kimberley Stine, Troy Poenitzsch, Tammy Poenitzsch Reynolds, Randy Rau, Deborah Rau Schulte, Matthew Rau, Erica Petersen Moore, David Petersen and Ryan Gyllenband.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Marie Harrell; brothers-in-law, Gladney Harrell and John Peterson and Nephew, Derek Collins.

Visitation will be held Tuesday, May 24, 5 – 7 p.m. at Freund Funeral Home. Funeral Services will be Wednesday, May 25, at 10 a.m. at St. John Lutheran Church of Lindenau with Rev. Ron Walter officiating.  Interment will follow at Lindenau Community Cemetery.

Pallbearers include Randy Martin, Ed Biehunko, Kirk Harrell, Troy Poenitzsch, Randy Rau, David Peterson, Matthew Rau and Ryan Gyllenband.

Memorial Contributions may be made to St. John Lutheran Church of Lindenau, Lindenau Community Cemetery or Accent Hospice.

A special thank you to his caretaker, Wendy McPherson, Dr. Mehran Nezhad as well as hospice caretakers, Christine, Laura, Rose, Mindy and Kelly.

You may sign the guestbook or send condolences at www.freundfuneralhome.com.

Freund Funeral Home, 361-275-2343.