Thomas Josiah Rachau

OBITUARY FOR THOMAS J. RACHAU

Thomas Josiah Rachau,Jr. age 83 of Imbler, died Tuesday, August 11 at a hospital in Boise.

A funeral will begin at 10 a.m. Saturday, August 22 at the Summerville Cemetery Chapel. A potluck reception will follow at Riverside Park in La Grande. Services are entrusted to Daniels~Knopp Funeral and Cremation Center in La Grande.

Tom was born February 19, 1932 the son of Thomas J., Sr. and Lavona (Cook) Rachau at Hot Lake. He was a lifelong resident of Union County and was educated at the Dry Creek School. Tom began his career at the age of 13 working in various area lumber mills. He was married to Nancy Ida Whiteman on September 8, 1955. He was drafted into the Army During the Korean War. After his honorable discharge he returned to Union County and after 38 years he retired from Boise Cascade.

Tom belonged to the La Grande Eagles Aerie #259 and enjoyed hunting, fishing, gambling and riding motorcycles.

Survivors include his children, Thomas J. III of La Grande, Robert, William and Nancy Rachau, all of Imbler; 11 grandchildren; 12 great grandchildren; sisters, Midge Breeding of Milton-Freewater and Jo Moore of Washugal, WA; and other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by a son, John Edward Rachau, his parents, his wife and sisters, Hazel Lietch and Mary Jane Perry.

Contributions in memory of Thomas J. Rachau, Jr. may be made to the Ronald McDonald House or the Oregon Cancer Society.

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