Alvin Raymond Rau

He was preceded in death by his cherished wife, Phyllis Rau; son, Steven Rau; daughter, Rosemary Rau; son, Michael Rau; grandson, Bradley Kregel. He leaves behind a legacy of love carried forward by his children James and Lois Rau, Patsy and Rev. Kenneth Koole, Mary and Dave Kregel, and David and Norma Rau; daughter-in-law, Elaine Rau; sister-in-law, Lorraine Rau; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Milo and Dena DeWald; 23 grandchildren; 77 great-grandchildren; 21 great-great-grandchildren; and a wide circle of nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family who will miss his steady, gentle presence.

Alvin’s heart overflowed with love for singing God’s praises—in worship, in daily life, and in the quiet moments only the Lord could hear. A humble and soft-spoken man, he followed God’s leading from South Dakota to Grand Rapids, drawn by his deep commitment to his church and to his Christian schools. There, he poured himself out faithfully for decades, serving on the school board and as an elder many times over. His church family was truly family to him; he cherished every opportunity to encourage, support, and stand alongside them in the things of God.

Exactly one year after his youngest son was called home to glory, Alvin joined him in the presence of the Savior he loved and served so well—a tender fulfillment of the hope he held so firmly.

A private graveside service will be held on Friday, February 6, 2026 at Rosedale Memorial Park. Visitation will be from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Friday, February 6 at Faith Protestant Reformed Church, 7194 20th Ave., Jenison, MI 49428. A memorial service will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, February 7, 2026 at Faith Protestant Reformed Church, with visitation from 10-11 a.m. prior to service. Rev. Kenneth Koole will officiate. Contributions in memory of Alvin may be made to Hope Protestant Reformed Christian School, Covenant Christian High School, Heritage Christian School, or Adams Christian School. The family welcomes memories and messages at www.cookcaresgrandville.com in their online guestbook.