Rau, Jerome "Jerry" Michael age 83, passed away 10/15/21 at Southview Acres in West St. Paul, MN. Known as the "Minnesota Minstrel", Jerry was active in the folk music scene for much of his life and a Vietnam Veteran known as a peace-loving activist and a founding member of the local chapter 27 of Vets for Peace.

He was raised in North Minneapolis and joined the Army Reserves at age 18. At age 20 he enlisted in the Marine Corps where he served 9 years, including a tour in Vietnam in 1965 where he saw things that changed his life. He learned to play the guitar while in service, and upon his re-entry into civilian life he lived out his dream of becoming a singer-songwriter.

Jerry became the heartbeat and conscience of the Minnesota Folk Music Scene, performing at many local venues, and many years on the street most frequently in Dinkytown. He performed across the country, and made a special pilgrimage in France to follow the steps that Joan of Arc had walked, after writing a song about her. He had two songs accepted by the Holocaust Museum in Washington, DC and recorded numerous albums of his original music.

Jerry is preceded in death by his mother and stepfather, Ruth and Laurence Kveton, and infant son John Patrick. He is survived by daughter Joanne Dymond (Michael), sons James (Oi Wong) and John (Dionne), seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Mass on Monday Nov. 1, 11AM with visitation 1 hour prior at St Joan of Arc Church, 4537 3rd Ave S, Minneapolis with a luncheon to follow. A musical tribute will be held on Sunday Oct. 31, 1-5PM at The Hook and Ladder Theater and Lounge, 3010 Minnehaha Ave, Minneapolis where numerous musicians will perform in his honor. Proof of vaccination and masks required for both events. Memorials to St. Joan of Arc Peace and Justice Fund, Guitars for Vets or Health Partners Hospice.

Originally published in the Star Tribune, Oct. 31, 2021

We Remember Walter Mondale

“Dinkytown’s strong sense of place is built upon a familiar landscape of buildings and streets that bind generations of engaged Minnesotans who have benefited from this local proliferation of vision and energy.”

R.I.P. Jerry Rau