Raymond H. Gengembre, Jr., age 89 of Kenosha, passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 5, 2017 at Hospice Alliance/Hospice House, Pleasant Prairie.

Born in Kenosha on March 20, 1927, he was the son of the late Raymond Gengembre, Sr. and Adeline (Steinbach) Gengembre. He attended schools in Illinois, California and was a graduate of Mary D. Bradford High School.

He proudly served in the Merchant Marines.

On April 23, 1949 at St. George Catholic Church, he was united in marriage to Shirley Vick.

Ray was employed as a tool and die maker at American Brass Company. He retired in 1990 after 34 years of service. Previously, Ray owned and operated a local gas station/auto repair shop and worked briefly at AMC.

He was a faithful member of St. Elizabeth Catholic Church; formerly St. George Catholic Church. He was also a member of the International Aerospace and Machinist Local Union #34 and was a Boy Scout leader with local troop #11.

Ray enjoyed playing clarinet. He played in local jazz bands and was a member of the CYO Band. After his retirement, Ray was an avid gardener and liked to work in his yard. He was a wild bird watcher and loved to bring many birds to his yard. Ray was also an “Any Dog’s” best friend.

He will be remembered by his loving wife of 67 years, Shirley Gengembre; his two sons, Tim and Roy (Ginger) Gengembre; his three grandchildren, Elizabeth, Elliott and Alexander Gengembre; his great grandson, Isaiah Gengembre; and his sister, Joyce (Duncan) Kancian and their three children, Doug, Kay and Lynne.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a close aunt, Pauline.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff of Hospice Alliance, Inc. for the special care they provided.

Service Info

Funeral Services will be held on Wednesday, January 11, 2017. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. at St. Elizabeth (Former St. George) Catholic Church, 4817 7th Avenue. Relatives and friends are asked to meet at the church for the Mass. Interment will follow in St. George Cemetery.