Regier, Gustav W. (1890-1969)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1969 Dec 25 p. 11

Birth date: 1890 Nov 5

text of obituary:

GUSTAV W. REGIER

Gustav W. Regier, son of Gerhard and Catharine (Wiebe) Regier, was born on Nov. 5, 1890 on the parental farm northeast of Whitewater, Kan. Here he grew up in the midst of a large family circle, first attending Hunter grade school, and later Bethel College Academy and Manhattan Agricultural College.

He was baptized on June 8, 1908 by Elder Gustav Harder, and became a member of the Emmaus Mennonite Church. The Bible verse given him at that time was John 17:3, "And this is life eternal, that they might know thee, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom thou hast sent." He tried to make Christ known to others and enjoyed teaching Sunday school, especially in his earlier years. Since he loved children and young people, he acquired leadership in 4-H and other young activities.

Because of health conditions, in 1914 he took up farming in the hills of Wyoming for a period of two years. returning to his home community for a brief period, he was married to Elsie Nachtigal on Mar. 1, 1917, and returned with his wife to Wyoming. There they were privileged to rear a family of one son and five daughters, enduring the hardships of pioneer life.

After 20 years he returned with his family to his Kansas community. His interest was farming, along with carpentry and Christian service. After living at various places, they purchased and moved to the present farm location one mile from his parental home. In 1947 his wife was suddenly taken from his side.

After two years he found another companion, when on June 1, 1949 he was married to Catharine Berg. For a little over 20 years they enjoyed the blessings of life together, for which they gave expression with a service of praise and thanksgiving on their anniversary date of this year.

Mr. Regier was stricken with a circulatory disease, and after a period of intense suffering entered the Peabody Memorial Nursing Home on Aug. 22. He entered the Bethel Hospital on Nov. 29 where he died on Dec. 3 at the age of 70 years and 28 days.

He also was preceded in death by one son, Elmer, one daughter, Ella, one son-in-law, Edgar Busenitz, three brothers and two sisters.

He leaves to cherish his memory his wife Catharine; four daughters, Elma Busenitz of Rt. 3, Newton, Viola and husband John Klingenberg of Reedley, Calif., Marie and husband Milton harms of Altus, Okla.; Verna Ann and husband Victor Kehn of Fairview, Okla.; one daughter-in-law, Lillian and husband Alfred Schwartz of Paso Robles, Calif.; 12 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren; two brothers, Cornelius P. Regier of Peabody and Edward B. Regier of Whitewater; three sisters, Mrs. Kaete Thiesssen, Mrs. Paul Classen and Mrs. Carl Classen, all f rural Whitewater, and a large number of relatives and friends.

The Mennonite obituary: 1970 Jan 13 p. 26