Clarence Rau

Funeral services for Clarence Rau, 93, of Dickinson, will be 10:00 a.m. MT, Saturday, November 18, 2023 at Stevenson Funeral Home with Pastor Rita Ennen officiating. Burial will take place 10:00 a.m. CT, Monday, November 20, 2023 in the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery, Mandan, with Military Honors presented by VFW Post 707.

A ‘Family greeting Friends’ service will be held Friday, November 17, 2023 from  5:00 - 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home.

Clarence passed away Monday, November 13, 2023 at his residence in Park Avenue Villa, Dickinson with his loving family by his side.

Clarence Leonard Rau was born on October 5, 1930 and raised on a farm in the Anamoose, ND area.  When he turned 21, he offered his services to the United States of America and joined the Air Force. In the Air Force he was in ground transportation and guarded the ammunition stockpile. He served in the Korean War for four years. When he returned from Korea, he married the love of his life, Fern Beverly Knuth. They were married for 67 ½ years and had four children: Melody, Cindy, Tammy and Wayne. During the first years of marriage, he worked on the railroad and helped his brother-in-law farm. He then went to trade school at Wahpeton School of Science and became Manager of Ford Auto Body for two years in Pelican Rapids, MN. He had to leave this industry because of health issues. He did not miss a beat and picked up a new trade in the upholstery business in Fargo. In 1961, the family moved to Dickinson and he worked as a Manager at Conlin Upholstery. After moving to Williston in 1963, he opened up his own upholstery shop where he and his beloved wife worked as a team. There was always a friendly rivalry as to who was boss! In 2002, Clarence retired from the upholstery business. Because of his work ethic and personality, he decided to work part-time at Walmart. When the kids asked how he liked it, he would respond “best job ever”.  In 2012, Clarence and Fern moved to Bismarck where they lived for ten years. In May of 2022, they moved to Dickinson where they lived at Park Avenue Villa and this is where he passed away after a brief illness. Clarence was a hero to all of his kids: teaching them hard work, dedication, and honesty. He was known for his all-encompassing love and loyalty to his wife, kids and the rest of his extended family. His positive attitude, humming while he went through life and ‘always’ holding his wife’s hand will always be remembered. Clarence was a huge fan of the Minnesota Vikings, Minnesota Twins, sports, Fox News, his church, putting puzzles together, playing cards and games. He loved golfing, especially with his grandchildren. Clarence was very dedicated to his country, community and church. He was involved with the Lions, Odd Fellows, Chairman of the Restoration Board of the old Armory in Williston, Lifetime member of DAV and American Legion. He was also a member of and church moderator of First Union Church (Williston) and later a member at McCabe Methodist in Bismarck and Dickinson United Methodist.

Clarence leaves behind his beloved Fern; children, Melody Olson (Jeff Siebert), Cindy Forbes (Jay Trantham); Tammy Kearney, Wayne (Gloria) Rau; 9 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren; sister, Leona.

Preceding him in death were his mother and father; sister, Irene; and brother, Marvin.

Clarence’s family would like it to be known that he ended life on earth doing “the best job ever” in everything he did.

His family is especially grateful for all of the staff at Park Avenue Villa where he and Fern were treated with so much love and kindness; for Home Hospice who provided him and the family with so much love and support; and for Home Instead health care service for their loving help.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the ND Honor Flight of ND/MN (donations can be mailed to: PO Box 644, West Fargo, ND 58978-0644 or veteranshonorflightofndmn.org) or ND Veterans Cemetery.