Duane Rau

Duane Rau, 93, of Medina, North Dakota passed away on March 8, 2022 at his home.

Duane was born February 22, 1929 the son of Christ and Clara (Bader) Rau on the farm SE of Medina. He attended rural grade school with his six siblings, graduating from Medina High School in 1946. Afterwards, he farmed and was a partner in Rau Construction.

Duane married Arlys Leopold in June 1949. Arlys passed away in January of 1950.

He attended North Dakota agriculture College which later became North Dakota State University. When the Korean War started, Duane volunteered to serve in the US Air Force. During that, he flew 100 reconnaissance combat missions with the first operational jet fighter the F-80 Shooting Star. He received among other citations, the Distinguished Flying Cross.

While serving in the air force, Duane married Margaret Jean “Jeanne” Nygaard in May 1952. After his discharge from the service, they made their home on the farm southeast of Medina that his grandfather homesteaded in 1909. Together, they had one daughter and three sons. Jeanne passed away on January 12, 2016. He farmed with his brother, later with his three sons and eventually with his grandson, Matthew Rau.

Duane loved his country, state, and the community he lived in. He was active in the Medina Lions Club, Medina American Legion, where he was a member for over 60 years, and many other community and state organizations. He owned the Medina Café and the Medina General Store for a time because “people need a place to go” in the community. He served in the ND House of Representatives from 1973 through 1978. Duane was a lifelong member of the Medina Zion UCC Church.

He had a passion for helping people and enjoyed seeing others be successful. He was very knowledgeable about many aircraft and did aerial crop spraying for many years. He loved farming, being actively involved in the farm until he was 90 years old and lived on the farm until his passing.

Duane is survived by daughter, Carol (Ron) Enger, Mayville, ND, sons; Bruce (Ardella), Brian (Ellen), and Neal (Tamara), all of Medina, siblings; Vernon Bader, Medina, Ardella Bader, Minot, Cherry Moser, Medina, Donna Dikoff, Medina, six grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his wife, sisters; Lenora Job and Jean Antonovich, and great-granddaughter, Anna Grace Hofmann.

Memorials can be made to UCC Medina, Medina Lions Club, Medina American Legion, or an organization of your choice.

Funeral Service: 1:00 PM, Monday, March 14, 2022 with visitation starting one hour prior, at the Zion United Church of Christ Church in Medina with Candyce Wick officiating.

Burial: Medina Cemetery, Medina, ND later in the spring.

Arrangements are in the care of Eddy Funeral Home.