COLUMBUS, INDIANA
Joan Eberhart Rau, 90, of Columbus, Indiana, passed away peacefully at Four Seasons Health Care Center on November 25, 2022. Joan was born on November 19, 1932 in the Fountain Square area of Indianapolis, IN to the late Rodger and Dorothea (Kluger) Eberhart. In 1940, the Eberharts built a house in the Southport area of Indianapolis, where Joan spent the remainder of her childhood until graduating from Southport High School in 1951.
At Southport High School, Joan graduated at the top of her class and was named class valedictorian. In addition to her excellence in the class room, Joan was nominated by her high school to attend Girls State during the summer between her Junior and Senior years. Girls State is sponsored by the American Legion Auxiliary and is a program for leadership and citizenship for young adults. During this time, outside of high school clubs and councils, Joan was a member of the International Order of Job’s Daughters. She sat on the board as Council Treasurer and was even crowned the Honored Queen.
While Joan was in grade school she met a young boy named Charlie Rau. By the time they were in high school, they were in love. From that point on, life long memories were made together. After graduating from high school, both Joan and Charlie attended Indiana University starting in the fall of 1951. Joan graduated from Indiana University in 1955 with a degree in Medical Technology. She was the first in her family to earn a college diploma, one of many accomplishments that made her parents extremely proud.
After graduation from college, Joan and Charlie were married on August 28, 1955. They had a wonderful love for one another during their 65+ years of marriage until the passing of Charlie in February of 2021. Immediately following their marriage, they settled in Indianapolis as Charlie started his studies at Indiana University School of Medicine. In the fall of 1955, Joan acquired her board certification as a Medical Technologist from the American Society of Clinical Pathologists, and was set to work while Charlie continued his path towards obtaining his medical degree. This plan was altered more than a little because before they could get Charlie through medical school, the love birds had two sons, David and Paul. But, with the support and love of their parents, they made it through this early part of their lives together.
In late 1959, after a one-year internship in Gary, IN, Joan and Charlie moved to Columbus, IN, where they would reside the rest of their lives. In 1963, they added one more person to the family when their son, Steven, was born. Over the years in Columbus, Joan was involved in many organizations such as Tri Kappa, Garden Club, Antique Club and The American Wine Society. Along with Charlie, Joan was a founding member of Fairlawn Presbyterian Church, where she worshipped and served the congregation for over 50 years. Joan also helped her husband in his family medical practice, working many unpaid hours for Sandcrest Family Medicine and later for Rau Family Medicine.
At home, Joan raised 3 boys, which at times was quite the challenge. As usual, she performed this job with the utmost love, understanding and when needed, discipline. She was always busy helping her family in any way she could, whether it be driving kids to events, helping the kids with their schoolwork, growing plants from seed in their basement for Charlie to plant in their huge garden, canning soups, fruits, vegetables and making wine from their vineyard for more than 30 years, as well as many, many other things. She also made many a perfect pie over the years, which her family was forever grateful. Joan’s family was her core concern and she blessed them with unwavering love and support. Whether it be her parents, parents-in-law, husband, children, daughter-in-laws, grandchildren, or great grandchildren, she was always there for them when needed.
Joan is survived by her sons, David (Denise) Rau and Steven (Marji) Rau; grandchildren, John (Amy) Rau, Ellen (Ryan) Falls, Charles (Taylor) Rau, Alexander (Ashley) Rau and Oliver Rau; great grandchildren, Elsie, Evelyn, Harvey, Isaac, Weston and Theodore.
Her son, Paul E. Rau, preceded her in death.
Arrangements for Joan will be determined at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to a charity of your choice or just keep our family in your prayers.
Online condolences and special memories may be shared with the Rau family at barkesweaverglick.com.
