Ray H Rempe

Lucille Rempe, 92, passed away May 27, 2022, and Ray Rempe, 96, passed away May 28, 2022, in Lincoln. Rosary will be said at 10:00 Monday, June 6, 2022, at St. Michael’s Catholic Church of Hastings. Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 10:30. Memorials are suggested to the family for later designation. In lieu of flowers family requests masses be offered on their behalf. Apfel Funeral Home, Hastings, in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be directed to www.apfelfuneralhome.com.



Ray recently said, “Lucille is not going anywhere without me.” She passed away shortly before midnight May 27, holding hands with her devoted husband. Less than 3 hours later Ray followed his precious wife.



Ray Henry Rempe was born June 25, 1925, to Henry and Magdalene (Ilg) Rempe near Mount Clare. He attended Mount Hope grade school and St. Stephen’s parochial school. As a young man he worked on his father’s farm and other area farms.



Lucille Barbara Buschkoetter was born September 22, 1929, to Anthony and Rose (Blume) Buschkoetter near Lawrence. She attended Sacred Heart Elementary School and graduated from Lawrence High School.



Ray was drafted by the Army and took his training at Fort Hood, TX. Ray said his drill sergeant suggested to the troops they find a girlfriend so they would be more likely to receive mail. Happily, while he was on leave after basic training, he went on a double date with his brother and Lucille’s sister. The rest is history.



Ray and Lucille began their 73-year marriage in Superior next door to Ray's parents. After a year of working in town, they rented a farm northwest of Superior. Times were tough, so in 1956 they moved to Hebron where Ray did plumbing and heating. Lucille cared for their growing family and tended a large garden. In 1962 Ray joined K-N Natural Gas Company. After two years he was transferred to Milligan where he took the position of Service Manager. Lucille was active in the Altar Society and did babysitting for a few Milligan families.



Ray and Lucille liked to travel and enjoyed trips with their siblings, friends, and grandchildren. After retirement they moved to Hastings, and in 2002 they moved to Good Samaritan Village where they did volunteer work.



Ray and Lucille were preceded in death by an infant daughter, a grandson, a great grandson, their parents, and several brothers and sisters.



They leave behind to mourn their children: Don (Kay) Rempe, Barb (Gaylen) Havel, Dale (Kathy) Rempe, Steve (Kris) Rempe, Glen (Kim) Rempe and Joyce (Dave) Sonenberg; 21 grandchildren; 27 great grandchildren; one great-great grandson; brother, Elmer (Maxine) Rempe; sister, Sally Menke; and sisters-in-law: Eileen Buschkoetter and Joan Rempe.