Family and friends are mourning the loss of the teenager who they say was a good older brother, who was smart and who was an avid hunter and fisherman.

Police say 17-year-old Jason Grau from Eau Claire was murdered in Chippewa Falls.

Grau's mother, Jennifer tells us her son was loved by so many family members and friends. She says his younger brother and sister are devastated by the loss.

She says her son loved to draw, was great with kids and was thinking about being a taxidermist someday. She says she laid flowers by the river along with some of his friends.

At the visitation Tuesday, hundreds of friends and loved ones came out to share stories about Jason. There was a time of prayer and some stories were shared. Loved ones talked about what a special person they lost. One of Jason's teachers talked about how Jason helped his son catch his first muskie.

Jason's passion for hunting and fishing was reflected in the visitation room, with his cammo hunting gear and tackle box on display. Friends and loved ones took time to sign a banner in his honor. A family friend says since Jason's favorite color was red, she bought bandannas for relatives. Jason's mom Jennifer says Jason started wearing a bandanna after a bad haircut. Family members said how much they wanted to thank investigators for their work on the case.

There is a benefit event at the Finish Line in Eau Claire on Saturday, March 20 starting at 3 p.m. The family says there will be a band and the proceeds will help pay for funeral expenses.

There are two funds set up to help the family with the funeral expenses.

You can donate to the Jason Grau Memorial Fund at:
Royal Credit Union branches
Associated Bank branches

Obituary:
Jason A. Grau, age 17, of Eau Claire died on Thursday, February 25, 2010 in Chippewa Falls.

Jason was born on April 23, 1992 to Jennifer Grau (Whaley) and Christopher Grau in Eau Claire. He attended St. Olaf Catholic School, Delong and South Middle Schools, Memorial, North, and Chi-Hi Senior High Schools and was a current student at McKinley Charter School. Jason loved being outdoors and was an avid fisherman and hunter. He also liked playing football and baseball and singing Karaoke. Giving of himself and spending time with his friends was very important to him. Jason was a special friend to many and will be deeply missed.

He is survived by his mother, Jennifer Grau; sister, Erica Strandt; brother, Bryce Strandt; step-father, Eric Strandt; biological father, Chris Grau; grandparents, Nancy and Joe Whaley; several aunts, uncles, cousins and many friends.

Jason was preceded in death by his great grandmother, Grace O'Donnell.