Keith Coleman Rau

Keith C. Rau, beloved husband, dad, papa, & friend to all, passed away on November 15, 2015, at age 68, amidst a valiant battle with sarcoma cancer. At the time of his passing, Keith was home surrounded by family and loved ones. Born on November 22, 1946 in Portage WI, Keith's family soon relocated to Sacramento, CA where he graduated from Luther Burbank High School in 1964. During the process of enrolling in law school, Keith was drafted and spent two tours with the US Air Force, 374th Infantry, as a C-130 crew chief (of the Blind Bats) during the Vietnam War. Keith flew night missions over the Ho Chi Minh Trail and earned the reputation for the most recommended plane during his service. Upon returning home, Keith began a 25 year service with Texaco, where he gained many lifelong friends. He was also a volunteer fireman with the Templeton Fire Department, served as President of the Jaycees, Kiwanis, and began a 2nd career working at Avenal State Prison, where he retired as a stationary engineer. Friends and family will always remember Keith as a kindhearted, joke-telling, hunter, fisherman, and jack-of-all trades. There wasn't anything he couldn't fix or improve! To know him was to love him, as he was a fatherly or brotherly figure to many. Keith is survived by his loving wife of nearly 45 years, Nancy; their children Dana (Luis) Rosa, Cortney (Kevin) Roy, and Keith Rau II. Grandchildren include Seth, Elai, and Julianna Rosa; Presley Roy; Madison and Sophia Rau. Siblings include Ron (Vicki) Akin, George (Natalie) Akin, Russell (Penny) Rau, Sandee Ricci, Vicki (Marvin) Zimmerman, and Michelle Parlet; sister-in-law Jeanne Rau, as well as numerous nieces and nephews that he loved dearly. He was predeceased by his mother, Dorothy (Irvin) Akin; father Alvin (Ethel) Rau; brothers Alan Rau and Larry Rau. Services will be held on Monday, November 30 at 10am at St. Rose Catholic Church, with a reception to follow at the Parish Hall. Donations can be made in Keith's honor to the Wounded Warrior Foundation, or the American Cancer Society.