Leon Rau, 58, of Wahpeton formerly of Anamoose, ND died Wednesday October 19, 2011 at his home in Wahpeton after a courageous battle with cancer.

Funeral services will be held at the St. Martin Lutheran Church of Anamoose on Monday October 24, 2011 at 1:00 p.m. Visitation will be held at the Hertz Funeral Home of Harvey on Sunday from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. Burial will be held at the Kassel Reformed Cemetery rural Denhoff, ND.

Leon was born March 5, 1953 in Harvey, ND. He was the son of Arthur and Twila (Schuh) Rau. He grew up in the Lincoln Valley area north of Denhoff and attended two years of grade school in a country school in Lincoln Valley before transferring to the Anamoose Public School. He graduated in 1971 and went on to attend the Wahpeton State School of Science with a degree in mechanics. Leon worked at the General Machine Works of Wahpeton for over 20 years until it closed. He then began working for Farm City Supply of Breckenridge, MN.

Leon was baptized and confirmed at the Kassel Reformed Church north of Denhoff. Leon married Caryl Penner of Breckenridge in 1973 and they later divorced.

Leon enjoyed deer hunting and riding his motorcycle. Most of all he enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren. He will be remembered for his impeccable sense of humor and his love for his family and friends.

Leon leaves behind his daughters, Tyna (Chris) Fox of Moorhead, MN, Sarah Bulson of Breckenridge, and a self proclaimed adopted daughter, Alyse Penner of Moorhead; four grandchildren; mother, Twila Rau of Harvey; sisters, Sheila Hase of Wahpeton, Sharon (Carey) Lemer, Lolo, MT, Sharlene Degenstein of Harvey and many nieces and nephews.

Leon was preceded in death by his father, Arthur Rau, maternal and paternal grandparents; and his former wife Caryl Penner