Kenneth E. "Gene" Rau Jr.

Kenneth E. "Gene" Rau Jr., age 77 of Antwerp, Ohio, peacefully passed away on Monday evening, November 13, 2023 at Antwerp Manor Assisted Living.  
  
He was born on March 22, 1946 to the late Clarabelle (Doan) and Kenneth Rau Sr. in Defiance, Ohio. After high school Gene proudly served our country in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. He worked as an inspector at Defiance Stamping for several years until his retirement. Gene was a life member of VFW #3360. In his leisure time he enjoyed building and creating things, thrifting and garage sales, bird watching, and being outdoors to enjoy nature. Gene will be greatly missed by his family and friends. 
  
Gene is survived by his children, Julie (Joey) Farison of Ft. Wayne, IN, and Jason (Tamara) Rau of Defiance, his granddaughters, Jada and Hailey Rau, and his sisters, Carolyn Peters of Defiance and Sue Ann (David) Burtner of Liberty Township, OH. 
  
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Larry Rau and James "Art" Rau.
  
Visitation will be held from 2-4 pm and 6-8 pm on Friday, November 17, 2023 at Schaffer Funeral Home South, Lawson/Roessner Chapel (1753 S. Clinton Street) in Defiance. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, November 18, 2023 at Schaffer Funeral Home South, with Celebrant Deb Miller officiating. Burial will follow the service at Riverside Cemetery, with graveside military rites conducted by VFW #3360.
  
Memorials are suggested to American Cancer Society, or to a charity of the donor's choice.

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