In a week marked by poignant farewells, two families in the Midwest are remembering the extraordinary lives of Beverly S. Whealon and Thomas Anthony Rau, both of whom passed away peacefully on February 5, 2026. Their stories, though unique, are woven together by threads of devotion, community, and a zest for life that touched everyone around them.
Beverly S. Whealon, affectionately known as Bev, was 95 years young when she passed at Hospice Home of Hope, according to an obituary posted online on February 6, 2026, by Zacherl Funeral Home. Born on January 25, 1931, in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, Bev was the daughter of Edgar and Salome (Eitneuer) Commo. She grew up in Fond du Lac, attending Franklin Grade School and Roosevelt Junior and Senior High School, from which she graduated in 1949. Her early years were shaped by the values of kindness and resilience—traits that would define her life and legacy.
Before her marriage, Bev worked at Wells Manufacturing in Fond du Lac, a testament to her industrious spirit and commitment to her hometown. But it was her role as a wife, mother, and later grandmother and great-grandmother that truly defined her. On March 30, 1953, Bev married Thomas E. Whealon at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, with Rev. H.G. Riordan presiding. Their union, which lasted an impressive 72 years, became the bedrock of a large and loving family. Together, they navigated moves throughout the Midwest, always maintaining a warm and welcoming home wherever they landed.
Bev's passion for family was evident in everything she did. She is survived by her seven children—Debra, Steven, Sandra, Kevin, Andrew, Mary, and Therese—fifteen grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren. Her legacy extends even further, with honorary grandsons Anh Tran and Tu Phan, and several in-laws who remember her fondly. As her obituary notes, Bev "touched the lives of everyone she met with her warmth, kindness and infectious smile." Her favorite song, “You Are My Sunshine,” continues to echo in the hearts of those she loved, a lasting reminder of the joy she brought to every gathering.
Bev’s ability to strike up a conversation with anyone made her a beloved figure in every community she joined. She found joy in gardening, conversation, and singing, embracing the simple pleasures of life. Even as she aged, her class and humor remained undiminished, and she maintained a positive outlook that inspired those around her. A line from her obituary captures her spirit perfectly: "When I come to the end of my journey and I travel my last weary mile, just forget if you can, that I ever frowned and only remember the smile."
Private family services are being held in Bev’s honor, reflecting her family’s desire for an intimate farewell. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations to Hospice Home of Hope through the Agnesian HealthCare Foundation, a gesture that continues Bev’s legacy of giving and kindness.
On the same day Bev passed, another remarkable life reached its peaceful conclusion. Thomas Anthony Rau, known to friends and family as Tom, died at the age of 85. His obituary, published by Saginaw News on MLive.com between February 6 and 8, 2026, tells the story of a man who cherished both adventure and family.
Tom was born on July 3, 1940, in Flint, Michigan, to Clayton John Rau and Bernice Agnes (Murphy). His childhood in Flint and the woods of West Branch was filled with laughter, exploration, and camaraderie, setting the stage for a lifetime of curiosity and appreciation for the world around him. Tom graduated from Holy Redeemer High School, where he was a standout in football, basketball, and theater—evidence of a well-rounded and energetic youth.
After high school, Tom worked as an X-Ray Technician in Bay City. It was there that he met Elaine Hammis, a nursing student who would become his wife in 1961. Their marriage, lasting 65 years, was marked by partnership, adventure, and a deep commitment to family. Tom later attended Michigan State University, earning his teaching degree and embarking on a career that included stints as a school teacher and a salaried worker at General Motors. Eventually, he retired to Townline Lake, where he found joy in fishing, swimming, and spending time with his children and grandchildren.
Tom’s interests were as varied as they were passionate. He loved playing euchre, cheering on Michigan State University sports teams, and immersing himself in the stories of the U.S. Civil War and World War II. Family road trips were a staple, with Tom never passing a roadside historical marker without stopping to read it. His enthusiasm for history was infectious, and he imparted a love of learning to his children and grandchildren during their many camping trips to battlefields, historical sites, and national parks across the country.
Tom is survived by his wife Elaine, daughters Michelle Landeryou and Denise Hufford, sons John and Stephen Rau, eleven grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his parents, his sister Theresa Earley, brother-in-law James Earley, and his daughter Andrea Beidelman. The Rau family planned a visitation on February 9, 2026, at St. Agnes Catholic Church in Freeland, Michigan, with a Mass immediately following. In a nod to Tom’s love of reading and community, the family requested that memorial donations be made to Tamarack District Library in Lakeview, Michigan.
Both Bev and Tom are remembered not just for their accomplishments or the years they lived, but for the warmth, humor, and generosity they shared with everyone around them. Their families recall countless stories—of Bev’s welcoming smile and Tom’s insatiable curiosity—that will be retold for generations. Though their journeys have ended, the legacies of Beverly S. Whealon and Thomas Anthony Rau endure in the lives of those they touched. Their stories remind us that lasting impact is measured not in grand gestures, but in everyday kindness, laughter, and the love we share with others.