William A. Rau Jr. died on January 23, 2018. Life partner for 59 years of Jim H. Grant. He is also survived by his sisters: Gail R. Lutz, Patricia R. Sokol, and Glenn R. Jenniskens. Preceded in death by his parents, William A. Rau, Sr. and Florestine P. Rau, and his brother, Donald P. Rau.
He was a graduate of St. Aloysius High School, Louisiana State University at New Orleans and the Tulane University School of Social Work. Mr. Rau served with honor in the United States Navy for 4 years.
Mr. Rau was a professional Social Worker who was an advocate for enhanced service and care of the mentally ill. With a group of other social workers, he helped obtain passage of a local millage tax for mental health in Jefferson Parish. With a group, he worked to establish a licensing law for professional Social Workers and was instrumental in the drafting and passage of legislation creating the Jefferson Parish Human Services Authority. He also worked as a clinical social worker at West Jefferson Medical Center.