Raymond F. Gengler

GENGLER, Raymond F. – of Chesaning, died Thursday, May 8, 2025, at his home with his family at his bedside.  He was 90 years of age.

Raymond was born in Chesaning on October 31, 1934, a son of the late Isidore and Cecelia (Cieslinski) Gengler.  Ray lived his entire live in Chesaning.  He graduated from Our Lady of Perpetual Help High School in the Class of 1952.  He proudly served with the US Army for two years and was Honorably Discharged after being stationed in Alaska. Raymond was united in marriage to Diane M. Hungerford at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church in Chesaning on December 29, 1991.  Ray and Diane were active longtime member of St. Peter Parish Catholic Church in Chesaning.  They sung in its choir for many years.  Ray was an active member of the Knights of Columbus St. Christopher Council #2943.

Ray was a carpenter and enjoyed woodworking.  He had been employed by Modern Floor for 15 years, then Kelco Company in Owosso for 2½ years, and then finally working for Farmer Peet for 3½ years.  Ray started his own remodeling business and operated that for 5 years. He also did woodworking and made chairs and tables and many various items and also refinished furniture.  He was known as “Gengler the Wood Butcher”.  Before he retired, Ray and his brother, Jim, worked together in the floor-covering business. When they were not working, Ray and Diane both enjoyed spending time together and go for car rides and traveling.  They enjoyed visiting the Amish areas of Clare and Pennsylvania.

Ray is survived by his beloved wife, Diane; a brother, James (Ann) Gengler of Chesaning; nieces and nephews; other loving family and friends; and a special friend, Fr. Ignacius Ekka of India, whom Ray and Diane sponsored and thought of like family.  He was also preceded in death by his siblings, Wilfred (Angela) Gengler, Lillian (Phillip) Bitterman, and Isabelle (Philinus) Birchmeier.

His Funeral Mass will be celebrated 11 a.m. Wednesday, May 14, 2025, at St. Peter Parish Catholic Church in Chesaning with Fr. Raj Bandaru officiating.  Military honors from the US Army and Chesaning American Legion will be given after the Mass.  Visitation will be at Misiuk Funeral Home in Chesaning on Tuesday from 1-8 p.m. with a Rosary being prayed at 6:30 p.m. by the Knights of Columbus and followed by a Vigil Service at 7 p.m. Visitation will be at the church on Wednesday morning from 10 a.m. until time of Mass at 11 a.m. Contributions in his memory may be made to St. Peter Parish Catholic Church. You may light a memorial candle or share a memory at misiukfuneralhome.com.