Dennis L. Rayl

Dennis Lynn Rayl, beloved husband and son, honored father, and treasured brother and friend, age 57, of Hutchinson, KS, passed away peacefully on Monday, February 3, 2020, surrounded by his family at Hospice House, Hutchinson, Kansas. He had bravely and graciously fought cancer since September 2019.

Dennis was born on March 13, 1962, in Hutchinson, KS, the son of Gary D. and Betty Joan (Farney) Rayl. He grew up with one older brother, one older sister, and one younger brother. Growing up, he loved to build things, as well as take apart anything he could, even if sometimes he couldn’t get it back together. This skill served him well as he got older and decided on a vocation. He graduated from Buhler High School in 1980 and received an associate degree in Diesel Mechanics from Hutchinson Community College in 1982. He then went on to graduate from Salina Area Vocational Technical School in 1984.

On August 25, 1984, Dennis was united in marriage to Shirley Ann Briggs in Windom, KS. They were married for 35 years, yet their story started long before, when they were 15 years old. They dated for the rest of high school and college before getting married. Their marriage was blessed with three sons, Tyler, Tanner, and Tucker. Dennis was involved in his sons’ activities as they grew up, and he taught them how to work hard first, then play. He taught them how to respect others and themselves. As adults, all three knew that their dad was just a phone call away to explain how to fix any problem that might come up.

Dennis owned and operated B & B Hydraulics, Inc. in Hutchinson, with other locations in Kansas City, Lincoln, Nebraska, Wichita, KS. He also owned and operated B & B AutoElectric in Hutchinson, KS. His employees and co-owners knew him as someone who expected the best out of everyone, most of all himself, and he earned the respect and love of the people and community around him with hard work and service to others.

He not only served in his workplace, but in many other organizations as well. He served on the church council and property committee for Andover Lutheran Church. He was previously the Reno County 4-H President, on the Buhler Ag Advisory Committee, and was involved in all he did wholeheartedly.

In the past few years, Dennis loved being around his grandkids, Elizabeth, Wilder, and Emma. Even though he didn’t initially like his nickname “Babu,” he grew to embrace it and would not want to be called anything else. He was thrilled to take them on Gator (UTV) rides, on tractor rides, to see the cows, and on his excavator or bulldozer. He loved to play and rough house, but equally loved their hugs and snuggles.

Dennis will be remembered and cherished for so many wonderful qualities. He was always willing to help out with any project, to take anyone under his wing, for his advice, expertise, and knowledge about what seemed like everything. He loved people well, and was always going above and beyond to show others he cared. Whether it was by making breakfast or fajitas for the masses, or enjoying an evening in the bunkhouse with friends, family, and wood fired pizzas, Dennis excelled at making others feel welcome. His heart and home were always open to those around him.

Survivors include: his loving wife, Shirley; three sons, Tyler Rayl (Jennifer) of Wichita, KS, Tanner Rayl (Jessica) of Hutchinson, KS, and Tucker Briggs (TJ) of Kansas City; mother, Betty Albertson of Hutchinson, KS; brothers, Brad Rayl (Jolie) of Hutchinson, KS and Robert Rayl (Lisa) of Republic, MO; sister, Kaye Heitschmidt (Dick) of Hutchinson, KS; grandchildren, Elizabeth Anne Rayl, Wilder Lynn Rayl, Emma Grace Rayl and a granddaughter on the way.

He was preceded in death by: father and step-mother, Gary & Beverley Rayl; step-father, Ralph Albertson; and parents-in-law, LeRoy & Lorna Briggs.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM, on Friday, February 7, 2020, in the Parish Hall at Emanuel Lutheran Church, Hutchinson. The funeral service will be at 9:00 AM, Saturday, February 8, at Emanuel Lutheran Church with Pastor Tim Carey officiating. Burial will follow at Andover Lutheran Church Cemetery, Windom.

Memorial donations may be given to Emanuel Lutheran Church, Andover Lutheran Church, or Hospice & Homecare of Reno County in care of Stockham Family Funeral Home, 205 North Chestnut, McPherson, KS 67460. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Dennis L. Rayl please visit our Sympathy Store.