Raymond C. Gembala

Raymond C. Gembala, age 88, of Kearney, died Sunday, February 27, 2011 at his home.Mass of Christian burial will be Thursday, March 3, 2011 at 10:30 a.m. at St. James Catholic Church in Kearney with Father Joe Hannappel officiating.Burial will follow at Kearney Cemetery with military rites by the Kearney American Legion Post #52, Kearney V.F.W. Post #759 and the United States Navy Funeral Honors Team.Visitation will be Wednesday, March 2, 2011 from 3:00 p.m. ? 5:00 p.m. at Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl Funeral and Cremation Services in Kearney followed by a Wake Service at 7:30 p.m. at the church.Memorials are suggested to St. James Catholic Church or to the UNMC Nursing Program at UNK in Raymond?s name. A message of condolence, tribute or memory can be left at www.hlmkfuneral.com.Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl Funeral and Cremation Services are in charge of arrangements. Raymond was born on December 17, 1922 in Sherman County, NE to Joseph and Veronica (Silver) Gembala.He graduated from Ravenna High School.Raymond enlisted in the United States Navy and served with honor as a Naval Carrier Pilot.He married Rita Lewandowski on April 12, 1947 in Lincoln, NE.He later attended Business School and located in Kearney as an Accountant for the Nebraska Public Power District.Raymond was member of St. James Catholic Church, the Knights of Columbus andKearney V.F.W. Post 759. A skilled woodworker and mechanic, Ray was always willing to lend a neighborly hand on projects for church, friends and family. Never idle in retirement, Ray 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.Ray was much loved and respected by family and friends.He touched the lives of many and we feel honored to have shared time with him. Surviving Relatives: Wife Rita Gembala, of Kearney Son Ray Jr. and Marilyn Gembala, of Derby, Kansas Daughters: Mary Ellen and Craig Burchess, of Grand Island, NE Kathy and Bill Mizner, of Norfolk, NE Cindy and Bobby Hugg, of Kearney, NE Sister Irene Klausen, of Rockville, NE Brother Jim Gembala, of Loup City, NE Grandchildren: Geoff and Kristin Gembala, Shelia Burchess, Adam and Danna Burchess, Jessicaand Dan Falk, Alec Mizner, Brendon Mizner, Kaitlin Mizner Great Grandchildren Josh, Alyssa, Braeden, Connor, Jack and Jordan 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 PDF Printable Version

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Raymond C. Gembala

December 17, 1922 - February 27, 2011