Douglas S. Rachau

Douglas S. Rachau, Sr. of Madisonburg, passed away Monday, May 6, 2024, at Mount Nittany Medical Center.  He was 66.  Born February 13, 1958, in Lock Haven, Doug was a son of Robert W. and Joyce D. “Long” Rachau of Centre Hall.

Doug was a 1976 graduate of Penns Valley High School.  On June 16, 1979, he married Cristy J. Bellows who survives. 

Doug was employed as a Corrections Officer at Rockview State Correctional Institute with fifteen years of service.  He served our country in the U.S. Air Force.  Doug enjoyed golfing, riding his Harley motorcycle, camping, playing horseshoes and cards, and watching Penn State and Steelers football.  He was a member of the Brush Valley New Life Church in Madisonburg.

In addition to his wife and parents, Doug is survived by one daughter Amanda Shappell (Charlie) of York; two sons, Douglas S. “Scott” Rachau, Jr. (Ashleigh) and Kyle W. Rachau (Rachael) both of Richmond; one sister, Lucinda Olsen (Rich) of Pine Grove Mills; one brother, Ronald Rachau (Rita) of Madisonburg and Herb Slack (Lorrie) of Spring Mills who was a brother to Doug.  Also surviving are grandchildren, Alexa Rachau, Riley Rachau, and Thea Rachau, along with Harley, his canine best friend and Lucky, his feline best friend.  Doug was preceded in death by his nephew, Casey Gunsallus and both his paternal and maternal grandparents.

Family and friends will be received on Saturday, May 11, 2024, from 2:00 pm until 4:00 pm at Brush Valley New Life Church, 123 Madisonburg Pike, Madisonburg, PA 16852.  The funeral service will follow at 4:00 pm with Isaac and Elliott Slack officiating.  Doug will be laid to rest with full military honors in West Central Cemetery in Madisonburg.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to www.wish.org or to Pets Come First at 2451 General Potter Highway, Centre Hall, PA 16828. 

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