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Raymond Gembala Obituary
KEARNEY - Raymond C. Gembala, 88, of Kearney died Sunday, Feb. 27, 2011 at his home.
Services will be at 10:30 a.m. Thursday at St. James Catholic Church in Kearney with the Rev. Joe Hannappel officiating. Burial will be at Kearney Cemetery with military honors by Kearney American Legion Post 52, Kearney Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 759 and the U.S. Navy Funeral Honors Team.
Visitation will be from 3-5 p.m. today at Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl Funeral and Cremation Services followed by a wake service at 7:30 p.m. at the church.
He was born Dec. 17, 1922, in Sherman County to Joseph and Veronica (Silver) Gembala.
On April 12, 1947, he married Rita Lewandowski in Lincoln.
Survivors include his wife; son, Ray Gembala Jr. and his wife, Marilyn, of Derby, Kan.; daughters, Mary Ellen Burchess and her husband, Craig, of Grand Island, Kathy Mizner and her husband, Bill, of Norfolk, Cindy Hugg and her husband, Bobby, of Kearney; sister, Irene Klausen, of Rockville; brother, Jim Gembala, of Loup City; grandchildren, Geoff and Kristin Gembala, Shelia Burchess, Adam and Danna Burchess, Jessica and Dan Falk, Alec Mizner, Brendon Mizner and Kaitlin Mizner; and great-grandchildren, Josh, Alyssa, Braeden, Connor, Jack and Jordan.
He graduated from Ravenna High School. Raymond enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served with honor as a naval carrier pilot. He later attended business school and located in Kearney as an accountant for Nebraska Public Power District.
Raymond was member of St. James Catholic Church, the Knights of Columbus and Kearney VFW Post 759.
A skilled woodworker and mechanic, he was always willing to lend a neighborly hand on projects for church, friends and family. Never idle in retirement, he spent many hours at auctions and in his shop pursuing his passion for finding and restoring antique clocks. He also enjoyed farming, the outdoors, and tending to his lawn and rose gardens.
He was much loved and respected by family and friends. He touched the lives of many, and his family feels honored to have shared time with him.
Raymond was preceded in death by his brothers, Joe, Henry, Ed and Ernie; sisters, Rose, Eleanor and Clara; children, Danny and Johnny; and granddaughter, Jamie.
Memorials are suggested to St. James Catholic Church Media Department or to the UNMC Nursing Program at UNK in Raymond's name.
Go to www.hlmkfuneral.com to leave a message of condolence, tribute or memory.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Raymond Gembala
5 Entries
Vicki Mason
March 2, 2011
Aunt Rita and family:
I'm sorry for the loss of Uncle Ray. I wish I could be there to hug you all...mom will have to do it for me. The family is in my prayers for the loss you are all feeling. God Bless You all.
March 2, 2011
Rita, Cindy, Bobby, & Family-
I'm so sorry to hear about your loss. Please know you are all in my thoughts and prayers. Steph
Tammey Frick
March 2, 2011
Cindy & Bobby,
Ray was always a kind soul. We remember his love of auctions and being on the hunt for clock parts. We got to see one of his other hobbies when their yard was featured on the Garden walk, which showcased their beautiful roses.
Cindy, the love and help you have given to your parents through the years is an inspiration. May the beautiful memories of your Dad remain with you and help guide you through this time of loss. Love, Tammey and Gene.
Bev Hopkins
March 2, 2011
Adam & Danna and families
Sending love and prayers for you all at this time of sadness.
Bev. and Lon
Lori Freilinger
March 2, 2011
Adam & Danna
and Family,
We are so sorry for your loss. Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers!
Love ~ Mike, Lori & girls
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Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl Funeral and Cremation Services2421 Avenue A P.O. Box 777, Kearney, NE 68847
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