James Rau

James M. Rau, 67, of Bardstown, Kentucky, passed away on Thursday, September 5, 2013 in Rock Valley, Iowa. A private family memorial service will be held. Condolences may be left for the family at www.porterfuneralhomes.com.

James M. Rau was born on October 14, 1945 in Hudson, South Dakota to Ed and Erma (Wold) Rau. He attended school in Hudson, graduating in May 1963. He spent two years in the United States Army (1963 ' 1965), and was stationed in Italy.

After his discharge from the Army, he worked at Rau Hardware and Implement in Hudson while attending school in Sheldon, Iowa for engineering. He left South Dakota in 1971 and settled in California where he worked as an engineer for Toyota. In 1999, he moved to Springfield, Kentucky, where he helped build and establish Toyotomi America Corporation as the companies Vice President.

James is survived by his son, Tony (Janae) Rau of Rock Valley, Iowa and five grandchildren, Jessie (Daena) Rau of Rock Valley, Valarie Rau of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, Waylon, Brandon, and Zachary Rau of Rock Valley. He is also survived by three great-grandchildren, Kaylee, Tony, and Eli, sister, Louella Toft of Hudson, brother, John (Diane) Rau of Columbus, Ohio, sister-in-law, Ruth Rau of Rapid City, South Dakota, as well as several nieces and nephews. He also leaves friends in California, Kentucky and South Dakota.

James was preceded in death by his parents, brothers, Fred and Robert Rau and brother-in-law, Phillip Toft.