Richard O. Grau

Richard O. Grau, 87, proud lifelong resident of St. Joseph/Benton Harbor, passed away on Monday, April 25, 2016, of complications from a fall in his home. Visitation will be 5:00 to 7:00 PM Friday, April 29, 2016, at Starks & Menchinger Funeral Home, 2650 Niles Road, St. Joseph Dick’s funeral service will be at 11:00 AM on Saturday, April 30, 2016, at Trinity Lutheran Church, St. Joseph, with Pastor Michael Roth officiating. A luncheon will immediately follow in the church fellowship room. Dick was a true sand rabbit having been born on February 9, 1929, in the upper apartment of a house on Pine Street in St. Joseph. He was instrumental in the placing of a historical marker on Silver Beach commemorating the “sand rabbits. Dick graduated from St. Joseph High School in 1947. He met his future wife, Adeline Neubauer, while they both were employed at Whirlpool, marrying on November 11, 1950. They enjoyed 63 years of companionship. Dick played the accordion in his band, The Polka Chips, in the 1950’s and early 60’s, playing at weddings and taverns. He continued to play the accordion at various events his entire life, the last time being for his family this past Christmas. He was President of the Berrien County Sportsmans Club, the Whirlpool Management Club, and the local chapter of the American Historical Society of Germans from Russian, and active on a number of boards at Trinity Lutheran Church. He was also a member of 3 local historical associations and enjoyed their many programs. Dick enjoyed a lifetime of visits “up north,” being on the St. Joseph River (hunting for golf balls), deer hunting trips, fishing, and traveling the world with Adie. His passions included family genealogy, local history and garage sales.  He never met a stranger he didn’t enjoy talking to, nor a newspaper he didn’t want to read.  His day was not complete without at least one trip through town and past the lake.  He was most proud to spend time at his grandchildren’s activities and their many accomplishments, he was their biggest supporter. Dick was thankful for his 43 years of employment at Whirlpool Corporation, having started as a shipping clerk and working his way up to Real Estate Manager. He began a happy and fulfilling retirement in 1991. A lot of people claim to have the best Dad, but we really did. He loved us all for who we were and supported us wholeheartedly.  Dad set the example of truly living a Christian life, treating others with kindness and utmost respect.  He led a faithful life and was a faithful servant. Dick is survived by his children: Michael Grau of Texas; Peggy (Robert) Angeli of Holland, MI; Carol (Michael) Harrison of Charlotte, NC; and Rhonda (Jeffery) Barchett of Benton Harbor.  Dick had 12 grandchildren and 3 1/2 great-grandchildren.   He is also survived by his brother, Julius (Esther) Grau of Berrien Springs.  He was preceded in death by his wife, Adeline (Neubauer) in July of 2014, his parents, Julius O. and Hattie (Hauch) Grau, his sister Mary Carson and brother-in-law Dale Carson. The family kindly requests that in lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Ladies Aid of Trinity Lutheran Church in St. Joseph, the music department of Grace Christian School in Watervliet, or The History Center at Courthouse Square in Berrien Springs.