Joan Gladys Rau

Joan Gladys Rau

Joan Gladys Rau, age 92, of Gladwin, Michigan passed away at the Brook of Gladwin surrounded by family members on Monday, March 23, 2026. She was born on Jan. 3, 1934, to Adolph and Augustina (Burkholz) Wolfe at their family home in Sherman Township.

She attended Sherman #2 School and later graduated from Gladwin High School in 1952. She married her high school sweetheart, Al Rau, on June 6, 1953. They enjoyed 68 years of marriage before Al’s passing in May of 2021.

Joan was bookkeeper for Rau’s Shell Service for 37 years. Following that she was the janitor at Gladwin Cornerstone Baptist Church where she was also a charter member. Joan enjoyed singing in the choir and with The Wolfe Sisters Trio.

Joan was known by many in the community as The Pie Lady. Her pies were well loved and giving them away brought her joy. She even baked a few for former Detroit Tiger’s Lance Parrish when he was visiting Gladwin. Her hobbies included baking pies, playing the piano, crocheting, and she was an avid Tiger’s fan.

She is survived by son, Steve (Carol) Rau of West Branch; daughter, Cindy (Jim) Coon of Cumming, Georgia; daughter, Jan (Joe) Lathrop of Gladwin; seven grandchildren, and 14 great-grandchildren. Joan was preceded in death by her parents and eight siblings.

Cremation has taken place and no service is being planned per Joan’s wishes. Arrangements are in the care of Lee-Ramsay Gladwin Chapel.

Memorial contributions can be made in her honor to Gladwin Cornerstone Baptist Church at 3925 Round Lake Road, Gladwin, MI 48624.