Regier, John U. (1884-1947)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1947 Mar 6 p. 5

Birth date: 1884 Dec 14

text of obituary:

. . .

— Funeral services took place Tuesday afternoon at the Hoffnungsau church, Inman, for John U. Regier, 62, well-known farmer of the Moundridge community who passed away at Bethel Deaconess hospital last Friday evening. The services were in charge of the pastor, Rev. Albert Gaeddert. Mr. Regier was the father of Mrs. Vilas Gerber of North Newton and Katherine Regier, a student at Bethel college, and a brother to Rev. P. K. Regier of Reedley, Calif.

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Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1947 Mar 20 p. 3

text of obituary:

JOHN U. REGIER

John U. Regier was born December 14, 1884, on a farm in Harvey county, Kansas. Here he grew up, received his early school training, and in this same community he lived virtually all of his life. In the O.K. school he received his elementary school training, and later he attended the Bethel Academy. For eight years he followed the teaching profession, teaching in O.K., Sparta, Paris, and Blazefork schools.

From his youth he took an active interest in church and community affairs. In the community he served for extended periods of time on the school board, on the township board, and he served as assessor for many a term, travelling the rough and muddy roads of that time.

On July 23, 1905, he was baptized by Elder Abraham Ratzlaff, and received into the membership of the Hoffnungsau church. He remained a faithful member until his death, and took an active part as long as his health permitted.

Year after year he was engaged in Sunday School teaching, and for a long time he directed the church choir. he served as chorister, as Sunday School superintendent, and as a member of the board of trustees. Always he stood ready to take hold and to serve in church activities, and he served cheerfully and efficiently.

On June 12, 1917, he was united in marriage to Minnie Voth, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Cornelius Voth. To this happy union were born four children: twin boys, Harold and Harry, who died in infancy; Bertha Fern, now Mrs. Vilas Gerber of Newton; and Cathryn [sic Catherine] of the home.

His father, John K. Regier, preceded him in death in June 1929; while his mother, age 92, lived to witness his long months of suffering and his passing in death. It was her desire that she might go before he, but the Heavenly Father directed otherwise.

For some months our husband and father had not enjoyed good health; already in May of last year it was noticeable that his health was failing, and he would be subject to getting very tired while working at the ordinary duties of the farm. When harvest came, he rejoiced in the good yields that the Heavenly Father had sent, and he managed to take care of the harvest work. Directly after harvest, however, he became seriously ill with what proved to be an incurable disease of the blood.

Many doctors and specialists were consulted as his illness became increasingly acute and his misery more difficult to bear. While not all doctors agreed precisely of the diagnosis of the illness, yet they were agreed for at least two months prior to his passing that there was no cure that medicine could render.

There were days upon days and night following night where the acute discomfort scarcely left him long enough to bring even momentary rest and comfort. Many were the times when in agony he would cry to God for relief from pain and misery, and many prayers ascended to the Throne that the heavenly Father might give grace and strength to bear the heavy burden. The Heavenly Father did not always answer according to our desires, but the faith of our husband and father never wavered, and always he was willing to hear what the Father in Heaven would lay upon him. Repeatedly he would remark that it is only grace that saves, and that through our own goodness we merit nothing. His faith was a strong and living faith, and the long months of suffering only strengthened it.

He was greatly appreciative of the words of comfort that his many friends would seek to give him; he appreciated the many prayers spoken for him, the many deeds of kindness and helpfulness expressed, and the many nights of loving service rendered.

When it became too difficult to give him the needed treatment and care on our farm home, an abode was graciously arranged through relatives and friends in Newton. Here he was confined to his bed until on Thursday, Feb. 20, he was transferred to the Bethel hospital.

While in the hospital he had a few days of decided relief from his pain and discomfort, and happily they were the days when his brother Rev. Peter K. from Reedley visited him. Following these days there came a steady decline, until for him the welcome summons came to cross over to the other side to be with his Master. At 9:30 Friday evening, Feb. 28, he quietly and peacefully went to sleep from which he did not awaken any more, but gently breathed his last to awaken on the Other Side with his Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.

He reached the age of 62 years, two months, and 14 days.

He leaves to mourn his early departure, his beloved wife, Minnie; two daughters: Bertha Fern of Newton; Cathryn [sic Catherine] of the home; one son-in-law, Vilas Gerber of Newton; his aged mother, Mrs. John K. Regier of Buhler; two brothers, Rev. Peter K. of Reedley, California, and Dan C. of Moundridge; three sisters, Sarah, Mrs. P. H. Voth, Moundridge; Agatha, Mrs. J. B. Ediger of Clinton, Okla.; and Helen, Mrs. Nick D. Esau of Buhler. Two sisters-in-law, three brothers-in-law, a large number of relatives, and a host of friends will miss his early departure greatly.

We mourn; yet not as those who have no hope, for we know that he lived in Christ and he died in Christ, “so whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord; whether we live, therefore, or die, we are the Lord’s” — Romans 14: 8 — The Bereaved Family.