Hugh "Buster" Rau Jr.

Hugh “Buster” Rau Jr., age 85 left this earth peacefully on Saturday April 3, 2010 at his home. Now he is able to attend his son’s birthday party in heaven. Buster lived in West Branch most of his life. He married Alice M. Yantz on January 15, 1946 in West Branch. Buster owned and operated Rau’s Tavern from 1965 to 1981. He was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, K of C #2022, All Saints Assembly 4th degree, and the Ogemaw Hills D.A.V. #73. Buster served in the Marine Corps in WWII. He was an avid fisherman, hunter, beaver trapper, snowmobile racer, and as a teenager he was a trick horseback rider. Buster is survived by his wife, Alice of West Branch, sister, Colleen Davis of West Branch, and brother-in-law, Archie Yantz of Naples, FL. He is preceded in death by son, Gary Rau, parents, Hugh and Ethel Rau, and mother-in-law, Dolly Yantz. A memorial mass will be held at St. Joseph Catholic Church on Tuesday, April 6, 2010 at 11:00 am. Family will receive friends from 10:00 am until time of service at 11:00 am. Burial of cremains will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery. Father Patrick Maher will officiate. Memorial contributions may be made to Ogemaw Hills D.A.V. #73 or All Saints Assembly.