Regier, Louise Busenitz (1857-1930)

Christlicher Bundesbote obituary: 1930 Nov 4 p. 13

Birth date: 1857 Sep 16

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1930 Oct 29 p. 1

text of obituary:

Mrs. Bernhard Regier (A tribute by her husband)

Our dear, departed wife, mother and grandmother Louise Busenitz Regier was born September 16, 1857 at Brodsack, Germany. Her parents were Johann Busenitz and Agneta Busenitz nee Dyck.

When she was nine years of age she lost her mother. Three years later her father died while on a visiting trip to Russia. there is no doubt that before their departure the parents had committed this, their youngest child, to the arms of Him who has said "I am with you always, even unto the end of the world."

The first two years after the death of her parents, the dear deceased found render care at the house of her relatives, Bernhard Entz at Tiegefelde, near Tiegendorf. The following two years years with her cousins Helen Kroeker (later Mrs. Gustav Harder), she attended the Moravian Brethren school of Neusalz, Silesia. After her return from Neusalz she found a home with her relatives Abraham Entz at Klein-Lesewitz.

In her 17th year, the dear deceased was baptized upon the confession of her faith and became a member of the Heubuden church.

In April 27, 1880, she was united by marriage to Bernhard Regier, who now mourns her departure. Eight children were born to them, four of whom died in infancy.

A few weeks after the wedding, we immigrated with my parents to America. When we arrived in Peabody we found hospitable shelter in the house of my cousin, J. W. Regier. When our baggage arrived, we moved to Newton and lived in the little house west of the city library until June, 1881. During this time we became members of the First Mennonite church, which membership the deceased kept until the day of her death. She loved the House of God and liked to hear His word.

In 1882 we built our own home three miles east of Newton in which under the care of our Heavenly Father we shared the happiness and sorrows of life for 48 years. In 1882 we also had the pleasure of welcoming brother and sister Abraham Entz in New york. Mrs. Entz was the only sister of the departed. In 1893, her only brother, Johann Busenitz with his family, arrived.

It was indeed a great pleasure to give them shelter for the first weeks after their arrival.

In April 27, 1905, we had the great privilege of celebrating our silver wedding anniversary, surrounded by our children and friends. Rev. Jacob Toevs, Gustav Harder and C. H. Regier spoke words of gratitude and thanksgiving on that occasion.

During the last years on the farm, the symptoms of old age began to make themselves felt, and so we decided to leave the farm in the care of our youngest son and to buy a house in Newton. This home soon became very dear to her and she recovered quickly. In the spring of the year 1930, she underwent an operation of the eyes, consequently she was accorded the blessing of seeing her loved ones until the time of her death.

In this new home in town we had the rare privilege of celebrating our golden wedding, on which occasion my brethren in the ministry: J. E. Entz and A. Warkentin and also B. W. Harder and H. P. Krehbiel contributed to the blessings of the festival.

On the eighteenth of this month, the deceased became ill. In spite of the fact that she slept much of the time, her condition grew worse so that in the night I called the children by telephone. Next morning, Sunday, October 19, she was released from her earthly cares and was permitted to pass on to her Lord to whom she had clung faithfully, and who has prayed also for her according to John 17 "Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me when I am; that they may behold my glory, which Thou hast given us."

Our dear departed had reached the age of 73 years; one month and three days. At the grave mourns her husband, 3 sons, one daughter, one son-in-law, two daughters-in-law, twelve grandchildren and many relatives and friends.

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1930 Oct 29 p. 4

text of obituary:

LOCAL

. . .

— Friday night October 17, Mrs. (Rev.) Bernhard Regier became seriously ill, and on Sunday morning she passed away peacefully. She was born at Klein Lesewitz, West Prussia, and attained the age of 73 years. It was only last April that Rev. and Mrs. Regier celebrated their golden wedding. Funeral services were held on Wednesday October 22, in the Newton Mennonite church.

. . .

— Funeral services for Mrs. Bernhard Regier were held Wednesday afternoon with the Reverend J. E. Entz officiating. A short service was held at the house with only the relatives present. A male quartet composed of Paul Bartsch, Herman Jansen, P. C. Andreas, and Carl Richart, sang "Nearer My God to Thee," and "It is His Will." Services were held at the First Mennonite church at 2:30 and the quartet sang "Jesus, Savior Pilot Me," and "Beautiful Land."

Interment was made in Greenwood cemetery with Duff and Son in charge. The casket bearers were all nephews of Mrs. Regier, namely, E. M. Harder, G. E. Busenitz, William Busenitz, J. E. Wiebe, G. B. Entz, and B. W. Entz.