Raymond Frederick “Ray” Kuhlenengel, 94, of Syracuse passed away peacefully in his home on June 21, 2026. Ray was born on June 19, 1932, to Carl “William” and Rosa “Rosie” (Behrens) Kuhlenengelken in Syracuse, Nebraska.

Ray was baptized and confirmed in the Rural Delaware Luthern church. He attended Syracuse High School and graduated with the Class of 1950. In 1952, he met the love of his life, Lila Ilsa Oehlerking, while roller skating. Shortly after, he joined the U.S. Army and spent two years stationed in France before returning home to begin farming.

Ray and Lila were united in marriage on June 16, 1956, at Evangelical United Brethern Church, Elmwood, Nebraska.

A lifelong farmer whose roots ran deep in both his German heritage and the land he worked, Ray considered farming not only his vocation, but also his hobby. He was a man of few words, but when he spoke, his words were thoughtful, intelligent, and often delivered with a bit of ornery humor. He had calloused hands, but a gentle heart.

Ray was a devoted member of his church and actively involved in his community throughout his life. He served on the Nehawka Farmers Co-Op Board, the Otoe County Extension Board, as a Secretary for Country School District #89, the UCC Church council and as a DHI Milk Inspector. In 2000, Ray and Lila were honored as King and Queen of German Fest.

Though quiet by nature, Ray had a special gift with children and animals. They seemed naturally drawn to him, and his face would light up whenever he held them.

Ray is survived by his wife, Lila (Oehlerking) Kuhlenengel; his children, Dale (Shellee) Kuhlenengel, Donna (Dan) Jameson, Karen (Alan) Hunt, and Kathy (Joe) Bauer.

He is also survived by his grandchildren: Kurt Kuhlenengel; Kim Kuhlenengel (partner Tyler Hansen), Kevin (Amanda) Kuhlenengel; Christopher (Stacia) Jameson; Michaela (Ryan) Larson; Evan Jameson; Andrea (Ryley) LaVene; Thomas Jameson; Alicia Hunt; Nathan (Grace) Hunt; Holly (Bryce) Morgan; and Sydney Bauer (fiancé Mason St.Clair.) He was also blessed with 12 great-grandchildren, with one more expected soon. His sister-in-law, Marita Kuhlenengel; brother-in-law, Walter Henry Oehlerking, Jr., and his wife, Carolyn, also survive him as well as multiple nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents William and Rosie Kuhlenengelken; his parents-in-law, Vera and Walter Henry Oehlerking, Sr.; and his only brother, Melvin Kuhlenengel.

Funeral services will be held at St. John’s United Church of Christ in Syracuse on Saturday, June 27, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. Burial will follow at Park Hill Cemetery in Syracuse. Visitation with the family present will be held at the funeral home in Syracuse on Friday, June 26, 2026 from 5pm-7pm; open visitation is open from 9am-8pm.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to St. John’s Church United of Christ or to Syracuse Fire & Rescue.

Arrangements by: Fusselman Allen Harvey Funeral Home, Syracuse.

Condolences to www.fusselmanallenharvey.com