Regier, Bernhard (1855-1940)

Christlicher Bundesbote obituary: 1940 Jun 25 p. 14

Birth date: 1855 Jan 1

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1940 Jun 5 p. 5

text of obituary:

LOCAL NEWS

. . .

— Many friends were saddened when the report came around last Monday that the aged Rev. Bernhard Regier, who for many years was elder of the First Mennonite church, had passed away on that day at 3:15 in the afternoon. Rev. Regier was suffering from cancer and died at his home on West Broadway. Born on January 1, 1855, he was 85 years old last January. Funeral services will be held Thursday afternoon,at 2:15 at the home and at 3:00 o'clock in the First Mennonite church.

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Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1940 Jun 19 p. 1

text of obituary:

Short Biography of The Late Rev. Bernhard Regier of Newton

DEPARTED MINISTER WAS ONE OF THE EARLY MEMBERS OF LOCAL MENNONITE CHURCH

Rev. Bernhard Regier was born at Sandhof, Marienburg, Germany on January 1, 1855, and departed this life Monday, June 3, 1940, at the age of 85 years, 5 months and 2 days. His parents were Rev. Bernhard Regier, Sr., and Anna Regier, who reached the advanced age of 82 and almost 92 years, respectively.

On May 20, 1872, he was baptized upon confession of his faith and received into the Heubuden Mennonite church. April 27, 1880, he was married to Louise Busenitz. To this union eight children were born, four of whom died in infancy.

Several weeks after their mariage [sic] they migrated to America, together with Rev. Regier's parents, his brother C. H. Regier, Gustav harder and a few others. He deeply loved his new country and often expressed his gratitude to God that He had led into this blessed land. Arriving at Peabody, Kansas, they were welcomed at the hospitable home of his cousin, Jacob W. Regier. After a few weeks they moved to Newton, living in the house back of the present city library until June, 1881. They then moved to their newly built commodious farm home three miles east in 12th street where they resided for 48 years.

Soon after coming to Newton they joined the then but two-year-old Newton Mennonite church, of which he was a devoted and active member. He was elected into the first board of trustees. He also served for almost 20 years as song leader, and several years as Sunday School superintendent. In the year 1903 he was elected into the ministry. He faithfully served the church, proclaiming Christ the one sure cornerstone of our faith. Rev. Regier has also served for a number of years in several committees of the Western District Conference. it was a special joy to him that two of his grandsons were called into the Gospel ministry.

To him had been given a special gift of bringing comfort and strength to the sick and aged. For this he drew upon the rich store of spiritual hymns and Bible passages which he had in his mind. There was much singing in his home, especially at the time of the morning and evening devotions.

In the year 1929 he retired from his farm and moved to Newton. Here he and his beloved companion were privileged to celebrate their golden wedding anniversary on April 27, of the next year. Soon after this happy occasion his beloved wife preceded him to the eternal home. His years now became more lonely. Although the devoted and loving thoughtfulness of his children did all that was possible to make the father's eventide a happy one, he sorely missed the one who had shared life's joys and sorrows with hm for so many years. it was a special comfort to him that his oldest son Cornelius was still in the home with him.

About six years ago Rev. Regier found it necessary to submit to an operation, which proved so successful that for a number of years he enjoyed comparatively good health, but some time ago it became apparent that his sojourn here would not be for much longer. Since December of last year he has been bedfast. In all his suffering he was patient, being fully resigned to the will of god, his Heavenly father. he had a deep desire to depart this life to be with the Lord. Now he sees Him, on whom he believed and whom he served. He has fought a good fight, he, he has finished his course, he has kept the faith: henceforth there is laid up for him a crown of righteousness.

His memory is cherished by his children, Cornelius of the home, Mr. and Mrs. J. J. Regier of Whitewater, Mr. and Mrs. B. E. Regier, and Mr. and Mrs. G. Entz of Newton, a sister-in-law, Mrs. John Regier, Sr. of Newton, thirteen grandchildren, many relatives, a host of friends and the church he has faithfully served.

At the funeral Rev. J. B. Epp served at the home and the minsters J. E. Entz and A. Warkentin at the church.

The Mennonite obituary: 1940 Jun 25 p. 12