Gary S. Rauen

Gary Sylvester Rauen was baptized into Christian faith on May 11, 1947, at Holy Family Church in Willard, WI.

Gary S. Rauen, age 78, of Merrill, Wisconsin, passed away on April 5, 2026, while under the hospice care, surrounded by his loving family.

Born on April 22, 1947, in Neillsville to George and Mabel Rauen, Gary was a man of strong faith, deep dedication, and quiet strength. He lived with humor, with grit, with heart. He loved deeply and in his own unmistakable style. Gary graduated from Edgar High School, Class of 1965, before proudly serving his country in the United States Army from 1966 to 1968 during the Vietnam War.

Following his military service, Gary devoted 38 years to the United States Postal Service. He retired as Postmaster in Athens, Wisconsin, after more than 18 years in that role, leaving behind a legacy of hard work, reliability, and commitment to his community.

Gary found great joy in the outdoors; it was his sanctuary. Whether he was out deer hunting, making the best maple syrup, making firewood, or packing up for the annual Big Lake camping trip, he was in his element. Those trips weren’t just vacations – they were rituals, memories stitched into the fabric of our family. The kind of moments that become stories, and the stories become legacy. After being diagnosed with Parkinson’s, Gary mentioned that these times spent outdoors were missed the most.

A devoted Catholic, he carried his faith with him throughout his life.

Gary married Holly Strozewski on January 4, 2002, and they shared many years together building a life centered on family and compassion.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Holly; his daughters, Michele Borski and her children, Ahlyana and Dreyden; Saundra (John) Balbach and their children, Johann and Winston; and Jessica (Jeremy) Reece and their children, Ashton and Sienna.

He is also survived by his stepchildren, Glenn (Kristina) Strozewski and their son, Parker; and Amy (Chad) Hoernke and their children, Chad Jr ‘CJ’ (Alyssa) and their daughter, Raelynn, and Tatiana and her daughter, Olivia.

Gary is further survived by his brothers, Norbert (fiancée Nancy), Bill (Sharon), and Dale (Kathy); his brother-in-law, Clifford ‘Junior’ Pfingsten; as well as many nieces and nephews, extended family members and friends.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents, George and Mabel Rauen; his brother, Donnie; and his sister-in-law, Melody Pfingsten.

The Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 11:00 A.M., Saturday, April 25, 2026, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Bloomville. Father John Long will preside. A visitation will be held from 4:00 P.M. until 7:00 P.M. Friday, April 24, 2026, at Taylor-Stine-Waid Funeral & Cremation – 903 E. Third St. Merrill, WI.

In lieu of flowers, memorial may be directed to the Veteran’s Honor Flight or St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, Merrill, in Gary’s memory.

The family would like to thank Aspirus Merrill Hospital and Aspirus Comfort Care & Hospice Services for their compassionate care.

Taylor-Stine-Waid Funeral & Cremation of Merrill is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences are encouraged and may be made at www.taylorstinewaid.com