Rita M. Gembala

Rita M. Gembala, age 91, of Kearney, died Thursday, April 26, 2012 at her home in Kearney. Mass of Christian Burial will be Tuesday, May 1, 2012 at 10:30 a.m. at St. James Catholic Church in Kearney. Father Joe Hannappel will officiate and burial will follow at Kearney Cemetery. Visitation will be Monday, April 30, 2012 from 3:00 – 5:00 p.m. at Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl Funeral and Cremation Services in Kearney and 1 hour prior to services at the church on Tuesday. A Vigil Wake Service will be Monday, April 30, 2012 at 7:00 p.m. at the church. Memorials are suggested to the University of Nebraska at Kearney Speech Department or St. James Catholic Church, care of the family. A message of condolence, tribute, or memory can be left at www.hlmkfuneral.com. Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl Funeral and Cremation Services of Kearney are in charge of arrangements. Rita was born on November 8, 1920 in Ashton, NE to Walter and Tekla (Kaminski) Lewandowski. She married Raymond C. Gembala on April 12, 1947, in Lincoln, NE, while Ray was back on leave from the Navy. Rita was selfless and nurturing through her entire life. She had very close bonds with her grandchildren and her incredible smile came out whenever she talked to them, and she especially loved seeing them on Skype or Facetime. She believed you needed to keep your mind active and was always willing to learn something new. After her stroke in 2002, she went to the UNK Speech and Communication Department and worked with many young people and learned to use a computerized communication device. She learned how to make latchhook rugs and spent many wonderful hours with her caregivers creating beautiful cards and special projects. Rita will be remembered for her beautiful handwork, embroidery, needlework, quilting and crocheting, and her beautiful voice singing Happy Brithday. The neighbors will all remember her for her baking, full cookie bucket and her beautiful roses and flowers. She was very active in St. James Catholic Church, serving through baking alter bread, helping with cursillos, the Alter Society, serving at wakes and funeral dinners, and was a member of the Wednesday Morning Bible Study. Surviving Relatives: Son: Raymond and Marilyn Gembala, Jr. of Derby, KS Daughters Mary Ellen and Craig Burchess, of Grand Island, NE Kathy and Bill Mizner, of Norfolk, NE Cindy and Bobby Hugg, of Kearney, NE Brothers: : Al Lewandowski, of Grand Island Jim and Donna Lewandowski, of California Sister: : Annette and Richard Mendyk, of Grand Island Sisters in Law Mary Ann Lewandowski, of Grand Island Ellie Lewandowski, of Loup City, NE Elaine and Frank Rozmiarek, of St. Paul, NE Irene Klausen, of Loup City, NE Brother in Law Jim Gembala, of Loup City, NE Grandchildren Geoff and Kristen Gembala, Shelia Burchess, Adam and Danna Burchess, Jessica and Dan Falk, Alec and Angela Mizner, Brendon Mizner, Kaitlin Mizner Great Grandchildren: Josh, Alyssa, Braeden, Connor, Jack and Jordan Rita was preceded in death by her Husband, Raymond, Sr.; Children, Danny and Johnny; Granddaughter Jamie; Brothers, Louis, Andy, Ralph, Mike and Gene; Sisters, Margaret and Sally. PDF Printable Version

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Rita M. Gembala

November 8, 1920 - April 26, 2012