Jane M. Rau was born September 19, 1932 in Westphalia, Iowa to Joseph “Joe” and Marie “Mary” Hensheid. Jane grew up in Westphalia and was very proud of her roots there. She graduated from high school in 1950. She joined the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration convent in 1952. After 16 years she realized that was not her calling and left the convent in 1968.
She had several different jobs in Omaha before finally, in 1985, getting a job at Boys Town. She very much enjoyed cooking for and taking care of Fr. Peter. She worked there until getting married to Leo Rau on April 13th, 1991. They made their home in Omaha, NE and were married 30 years. After Leo’s death, she wanted to move “home”. After much thought, she moved to Elm Crest in Harlan, Iowa. She thrived there, reconnecting with old friends and making new ones.
Jane enjoyed cooking and baking. She could be counted on to bring an ice cream bucket of cookies to any family occasion. Jane took pride in her beautiful hair and received many compliments on it. She was a big Creighton basketball fan and very much enjoyed watching them play.
Jane passed away peacefully on November 23, 2025 at Elm Crest Retirement Home in Harlan, Iowa attaining the age of 93 years, 2 months and 4 days. She was preceded in death by her husband Leo; parents Joe and Mary Henscheid; son-in-law, Lyle; sisters, Verna Schomers, Marie (Tom) Case, Marcella “Sally” (Roman) Leuschen, Iona “Oni” (Bill) Smith; and brothers, Jeron, Virgil (Theresa) Henscheid, Urban “Urbie” (Theresa) Henscheid.
She is survived by her step children Kathleen (David) Klein of Omaha, NE, Jacqueline Simmons of Omaha, NE, Janet (Dave) Schonder of Bennington, NE, Laura Webb of Bellevue, NE, John (Josie Lynn) Rau of Gretna, NE, Kevin (Regina) Rau of Omaha, NE; grandchildren; great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers the family wishes memorials to be directed to St. James Catholic Church in Omaha, Nebraska at 4710 N 90th St, Omaha, NE 68134.
Mass of Christian burial for will be held November 26th at 10:30 AM at the St. Boniface Catholic Church in Westphalia. Visitation will be held November 26th from 8:30 AM until 10:15 AM at the church. Interment will be held at the St. Boniface Cemetery. The Pauley Jones Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
