Harvey Lee Rau

On the afternoon of June 14, 2016, he passed away peacefully at Tri City hospital, Oceanside, CA. Harvey was celebrating his 86th birthday on the day of his passing. He was very proud and honored to be born on our nations commemoration of “Flag Day”.

Major Rau was the beloved husband of 43 years to Esther (Peters) Rau of Milford, Massachusetts. He was born in Mishawaka, Indiana. Mr. Rau was the oldest son (of 8 children) of the late Starling and Bernetta (Miller) Rau of Imperial Beach, CA. Mr. Rau moved to Imperial Beach, California as a child and attended Chula Vista schools graduating from Chula Vista High School class of 1949.

He was preceded in death by his former wife Bertha (Bennet) Young, his son Harvey Jr. of Oceanside, CA., Sisters Linda, Dorothy, brothers, Wayne, Douglas (Butch) & Larry Rau of San Diego, half brothers Donald from Tennessee, Howard from Michigan and Norman from Florida.

He is survived by his daughter Kimberly Rau Siewerd and her husband SGT. Jeremy Siewerd, United State Army of Camp Pendleton, CA., son Robert (Bob) and his wife Gayle Rau---Ontario, CA., daughter-in-law Sue Rau, Harvey Jr’s wife Oceanside, CA. Brother James (Jimmy) Rau, Alabama and sister Cathy Lukens, Ohio.

Grandchildren Alysen Siewerd, Samuel Siewerd, Collin Siewerd, Haylie Siewerd of Camp Pendleton, CA., Harvey Rau Jr's daughter Theresa from Hawaii and Beth from Murrieta, CA., Craig Rau from Ontario, CA. and Jen Rau from Ontario, CA. Matt Ramirez---Oceanside, CA., Mike Ramirez and his wife of Lake Elsinore.

Mr. Rau had 6 Great-grandchildren and 2 Great-great grandchildren. Mr. Rau had many nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews from Milford, MA, Ohio, Texas, Alabama, Las Vegas, Simi Valley, CA., Burbank, CA., and Thousand Oaks, CA.

Upon his graduation from high school he worked for Brown Roofing in San Diego and enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 1949. He enlisted as a Private and retired as a Major. Mr. Rau served during the Korea Conflict, two tours in Viet Nam. He held many positions, such as instructor at Camp Lejeune Engineer School, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, at Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii, Assistant Officer in Charge Recruiting, Minneapolis, MN., Japan, and Camp Pendleton, California. He retired in 1978 while serving as the Commanding Officer of the 7th Engineer Battalion, Camp Pendleton. He served with the 11th Engineers, 1st Engineers, 3rd MAW, Japan.

Upon retiring from the United States Marine Corps he worked for Oceanside Lumber, Deutch Company, Oceanside, CA., and the San Dieguito School District (serving 18 years) as Maintenance Supervisor and the time of retirement he was the Director of Facilities for the district. He completed his endeavors while working for Alliance Engineering as an inspector until full retirement at the age of 80.

Major Rau was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter, day Saints in the Carlsbad California Stake since 1982. He served in positions such as Finance Clerk, Counselor to two Bishops, High Priest Group Leader, Young Men President and his last assignment was complete circle for him in his life. He was called to serve for about three years with the United States Marine Corps Recruits at MCRD, San Diego, CA. for Sunday services. As he would comment, his life was complete to serve proudly his country and then to give back to the new generations coming forth to protect our country.

Major Rau belonged to the Sea Scouts while growing up in Imperial Beach, CA. He belonged to the Oceanside Scuba Divers, and the Paladin Motor Cycle club, Oceanside, CA. (He enjoyed riding his “Hog”!) His hobbies were traveling, wood working, swimming, fishing, camping, and car racing. His best times were spent time with his wife, children, family, and extended family.

Viewing will be Monday, June 27, 2016 at Eternal Hills Mortuary Chapel, in Oceanside, CA. from 4- 8pm.

Viewing prior to funeral services will be held 12:30PM in the Relief Society Room, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter - day Saints, 2080 California Street, Oceanside, CA.

Funeral Services will be held Tuesday, June 28, 2016 at 1pm, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter - day Saints, 2080 California Street, Oceanside, CA.

Major Rau’s full Military Honors, will be held Tuesday, June 28, 2016 following funeral service at Eternal Hills Memorial Park, 1999 El Camino Real, Oceanside , CA.

For complete obituary and condolence book, please visit www.eternalhillsmortuary.com

Flowers are welcome, contributions may also be made to The National Parkinson Association. and Marine Corps Engineer Association (MCEA)

Arrangements are under the direction of Eternal Hills Memorial Park, Mortuary, and Crematory, Oceanside, California.