Regier, Elise Nachtigall (1890-1947)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1947 Aug 28 p. 3, 7

Birth date: 1890 Jul 28

text of obituary:

MRS. ELISE REGIER

Elise Regier, nee Nachtigall [sic Nachtigal], daughter of Peter and Anna von Riesen Nachtigall [sic Nachtigal], was born July 28, 1890 near Whitewater, Kansas. At the age of 13 years she moved with her parents to Hydro, Okla. She received her elementary training in Kansas and Oklahoma schools.

At the age of 18 she was baptized upon the confession of her faith by Rev. J. S. Krehbiel, elder of the Mennonite church of Geary, Okla., and was received as a member into the Bethel Mennonite church at Hydro. Later she joined the Emmaus church at Whitewater, where she remained a faithful member until death.

At the age of 20 she came back to Emmaus community as she liked it there, and worked for various families. March 1, 1917, was the date of her marriage and she and her husband established their home in Wyoming, where they toiled together for 18 years and shared joy and sorrow.

On May 25, 1935, they moved to Kansas and after a few years purchased a home northwest of Whitewater where they lived to the time of Mrs. Rieger's death. To this union were born six children, of whom Ella Mae preceded her in death. A year ago her aged mother passed away.

On March 1, 1942, she and her husband, with God's grace, were able to celebrate their 25th anniversary, with all of the children present.

The deceased loved outdoor life and her greatest joy was her flowers and garden, where she spent much of her time. It was always a great joy for her to share the fruits of her garden with others.

Ten days prior to her death she became ill due to the heat and complained of internal pain. Her illness was diagnosed as gall bladder trouble, although the immediate cause of death was heart failure. About 30 minutes before her death, she came in from the garden where she had viewed her flowers and garden in the fresh morning green. After entering the bedroom and taking a seat on the bedside, she asked for a drink. After drinking she collapsed, but regained consciousness and said, "I am ready and willing to go." She remained conscious until her death at 10:00 o'clock, Aug. 9. She reached the age of 57 years and 12 days.

Those surviving are her husband and five children: Elma, Mrs. Edgar Busenitz of near Elbing; Elmer of Paso Robles, Calif.; Viola, student nurse of Bethel Deaconess hospital at Newton; Verna, Mrs. Victor Kehn of Meno, Okla.; and Marie at home. One daughter-in-law, two sons-in-law, her aged father, two brothers, four sisters, three grandchildren and a host of relatives and friends also survive.

The funeral services were held at the Emmaus church with the pastor, Rev. J. C. Kaufman, in charge. music was furnished by the Thiessen male quartet, which sang "Face to Face" at the house, "Safe in the Arms of Jesus" at the church, and "Asleep in Jesus" at the cemetery. Helen Entz and Catherine Berg were at the piano. Pall bearers were Willie Regier, Arthur Regier, Richard Wiebe, B. H. Wiebe, Walter Harder and Walter Witt. Interment was in the Emmaus cemetery.