Alton R. Rau was born September 26, 1926 in Linton, North Dakota, to Jacob and Regina (Fischer) Rau. He graduated from Linton public schools and attended the University of North Dakota in Grand Forks, North Dakota. While visiting a patient at the Bismarck Hospital, Alton met the love of his life and told his brother Benjamin that he was going to marry the beautiful registered nurse Gertrude Bauer. In true Alton Rau form he followed through with his plan and married Gertrude on September 4, 1949 in Zeeland, North Dakota making their home in Linton for 67 years. Alton's career with Standard Oil spanned 34 years as a Marketing Rep, Bulk Agent and owning and operating the Rau Oil Company. After retiring, Alton and Gertrude spent many of their winters living in Arizona where they enjoyed spending their time being with family and friends. Alton was an active member of Peace Lutheran Church where he served on various church committees, the Linton Jaycees, and the Linton Civic Club. He also became a Lifetime Member of the Linton Fireman's where he had served over the years as the Secretary, Treasurer, Asst. Chief, and as their Chief for 3 years. With the love and support from his family and blessings of His Lord and Savior Jesus Christ to welcome him home, Alton passed away peacefully at the Linton Hospital on Wednesday, April 19, 2017.He is survived by his wife Gertrude, his daughter and son-in-law Cynthia and Gary Timm in Phoenix, AZ and his son Tom Rau and his best friend Dana Vogt in Rapid City, SD. He has four beautiful granddaughters (Elizabeth Breed, Christine Southerland, Anna Rau and Sasha Rau), and 4 special great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Ernest and Benjamin and sisters Bertha, Alvina and Martha.Alton's family extends a special thank you to the staff of the Strasburg Care Center and Linton Hospital for their care of Alton. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made in his name to the Peace Lutheran Church, Linton, ND. Services will be held at 10:30 am on Saturday, April 22, 2017 at Peace Lutheran Church, Linton, ND, with Pastor Sean Barnhart officiating. Burial will be in the Linton cemetery. Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m. Friday at Myers Funeral Home where there will be a prayer service at 7 p.m.