Shirley Rau

Shirley M. Rau passed away peacefully at the age of 91 on January 21, 2024, in Milwaukee. Born in the Town of Little Black, Wisconsin, Shirley embodied the virtues of faith, love, and intelligence throughout her incredible journey of life.

Shirley’s early years were shaped by the love of her parents, the late John “Jack” and Geraldine Gebert, and by her sisters: the late Marietta Steevens, the late Audrey Juedes and the late Eunice Mader, and by her younger sister, Donna Diedrich.

After graduating from Medford High School, Shirley held several jobs in the Eau Claire and Wausau areas. In a chance encounter at the county fair, Shirley met the man she would later marry, Robert Rau. Shirley married her late husband on a beautiful day in May of 1955. They then moved to Waukesha to start their life together. As the years went on Shirley had two children, moved to Oak Creek then Kokomo, Ind., and then back again to the Milwaukee area.

Shirley took pride during her life in her many roles, including being a dedicated Girl Scout and 4H leader. Her professional career was diverse and impactful; she efficiently managed responsibilities as a church secretary, sold real estate with a personal touch, and was integral in implementing membership management software at her church. She was also a skillful secretary for Manpower, bringing her meticulous attention to detail to every task she undertook.

Shirley enjoyed traveling with her family and close friends. During her travels she visited Hawaii, Germany, Switzerland, Alaska, Canada and the New England area. In addition to traveling her hobbies of sewing, reading, and working on her computer were sources of endless pleasure and learning. A devoted mother, Shirley’s legacy lives on through her children: her son, Dennis Rau, and her daughter, Jeanne (Paul Jimenez) Jennings-Jimenez. Her love and teachings are further reflected in the lives of her cherished grandchildren: Ashley (Kevin) Blaha, Lindsey Miller, Daniel Jennings and Julie Quackenbush, and her adored greatgranddaughter, Aubrey Blaha. Shirley’s sister, Donna Diedrich, her sister-in-law, Arlene Rau, and her friends: Janet Kornowski, Mary Freiburger, Judy Schneider and Michele Jaeger also feel the profound loss of her passing.

Shirley M. Rau’s life was a testament to her faithfilled spirit, her loving heart, and her intelligent mind. She will be deeply missed, but the brilliance of her life’s work and the warmth of her love will continue to guide and inspire all who were fortunate enough to know her.

A short graveside service will be held on Saturday, May 18, 2024, at 11 a.m. in the Christ Lutheran (Holton) Cemetery located at 3305 Boss Rd., Abbotsford, Wisconsin 54405. A luncheon will follow. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Rescue Mission or to St. Stephan the Martyr Lutheran Church in Greendale, Wisconsin.

Friends may send online condolences to www. maurinaschilling.com.

Paid obituary 152332