Fern Rau

Fern Elaine Rau, 95, of Elizabeth, died Monday, March 4, 2024, under the care of Moments Hospice.

Fern was born on November 4, 1928, to William and Nora (Possehl) Hanneman. She was baptized at St. John Lutheran Church in Elizabeth and confirmed at Trinity Lutheran Church in Fergus Falls. She grew up on the family farm in Fergus Falls Township and graduated from Fergus Falls High School. She worked for Beall and McGowan also in Fergus Falls.

On September 12, 1948, she married Merrill Rau in Fergus Falls. From 1951 to 1955, Merrill served in the US Air Force and the couple resided in Amarillo, TX. In 1956 they moved to rural Elizabeth where they farmed until 1971. She was then employed as a secretary at Faith and Trinity Lutheran Churches, and also the supervisor of the Foster Grandparent Program at the State Hospital all of Fergus Falls, retiring in 1990.

In the fall of 2019, Fern moved to Mill Street Residence in Fergus Falls. She was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Fergus Falls and served in the Stephen Ministry there.

Fern enjoyed puzzles, gardening, bird watching, flowers, her family, and especially her faith.

She is survived by her five daughters, Linda Pederson of Moorhead, Carol (Harry) Solberg and Lorie (Warren) Burris of Fergus Falls, Cathy (Len) Christianson of Power, MT, and Holly (Chris) Beighley of Fergus Falls; eight grandchildren, Robin and Roxanne Price, Logan (Lynae) Solberg, Michelle (Helen) Burris-Lake, Melissa Burris, Sara (John) Park, Kayla Christianson, and Alissa Beighley; six great-grandchildren; a sister, Lorraine Langfeld of Rothsay, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Preceding her in death were parents, William and Nora Hanneman; husband, Merrill Rau; a sister, Frances Max; two brothers, Lyle and Richard Hanneman; sister-in-law, Mildred Miller, and a niece, Twyla Neumann.

Funeral Service: 11:00 a.m. Monday, March 11, 2024 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Fergus Falls, with visitation one-hour prior to the service at the church.

Clergy: Reverend Chris Lieske

Interment: Trinity-Faith Cemetery, Fergus Falls, MN

Arrangements provide by Olson Funeral and Cremation in Fergus Falls.

Online condolences may be sent to www.olsonfuneralhome.com