Leander Rauen

Leander “Lee” D. Rauen, 87, Town of Rib Falls, passed away surrounded by his loving family on Sunday, March 2, 2025, at his home under the care of St. Croix Hospice.

A Mass of Christian burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 8, 2025, at Holy Family Catholic Church in Poniatowski with Rev. Alan Wierzba presiding. Following the Mass, he will be laid to rest in the parish cemetery with military honors conducted by his comrades in American Legion Post 393 of Edgar. Family and friends are invited for a time of visitation on Saturday from 9 a.m. until the time of service. The honor of pallbearer belongs to: Kole Kaldunski, Kenya Kaldunski, Cody Klockziem and Mitchell Myszka.

Leander was born in Wausau on July 13,1937, to the late Myron and Marie Rauen. He attended Holy Family Parochial School in Poniatowski. In 1958, he joined and served in the United States National Guard until his honorable discharge in 1962. On May 18,1963, he was united in marriage to the love of his life, Diane Jirgl, at St. Matthew’s Catholic Church in Wausau. Together for 62 years, they raised five wonderful daughters on their farm in Rib Falls. Besides being a lifelong farmer, Leander was employed at the Edgar Meat Packing plant as well as Award Flooring.

He has been a lifelong member of Holy Family Catholic Church in Poniatowski.

Leander was always an adventurous and fun-loving man who you could enjoy a beer with, as long as it was cold and on tap. He enjoyed socializing and storytelling; especially his favorite train derailment story while he was in the military. Deer hunting, whitewater rafting, 4-wheeling and shooting in the local pool league were some favorite pastimes, as well as polka dancing with his wife, Diane. He was a Mr. Fix-It, being able to fix anything that needed it. Hard work was no stranger to him, clearing stone fences, gardening and chopping firewood.

Paid obituary 165538