Pastor Walter C. Rauer, 84, of Washington Street, in Auburn, passed away Thursday, September 6, 2007, in Saint Vincent Hospital. He leaves his loving wife of fiftyfive years, Anna L. (Sklarz) Rauer; a daughter, Crystal-Ann Korzep and her husband Reverend Daniel Korzep of Methuen; two sons, James Rauer of Lake Tahoe, CA, and Edward Rzucidlo and his wife Susan Rzucidlo of Auburn; four sisters, Mary Wheeler, Lillian Herrick, Edna Dieter, and Irene Granum; twelve grandchildren; a great-granddaugther, many nieces and nephews. He was born in Troop, Pennsylvania the son of Everett and Stella (Tworkowski) Rauer. Having grown up in Pennsylvania, his family later moved to New Jersey; he then moved to Millbury where he lived for twenty-nine years, before moving to Auburn thirteen years ago.
     Pastor Rauer was an Associate Pastor at the MetroWest Worship Center in Ashland, where he worked in many ministries, including Greeters Ministry, The Children's Ministry, Visitation Ministry, and the Food Ministry. He had previously worked for construction companies and for S.I. Howard Glass Company.
     Funeral services for Pastor Rauer will be held privately. There are no calling hours. A public Memorial Service will be held at The MetroWest Worship Center in Ashland, at a time to be announced.
     In lieu of flowers, donations can be made, In Memory of Pastor Walter Rauer, MetroWest Caribbean Mission, P.O. Box 473, Ashland, MA 01721.
     MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation Street, Worcester, is honored to be assisting the family with arrangements.