Regier, William H. (1897-1964)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1964 Feb 20 p. 8

Birth date: 1897 Feb 20

text of obituary:

WILLIAM H. REGIER

William H. Regier was born in Massachusetts on Feb. 20, 1897. He was the son of Mr. and Mrs. John Porko, newly arrived Finnish immigrants en route to Minnesota.

Illness and death struck the Porko home shortly after arrival in Minnesota and their three children were placed in the care of a children's home. Two of the children, William and Anna were adopted in 1902 by Rev. Heinrich H. and Maria (Goertzen) Regier of Mountain Lake, Minn. The third child, a brother, had been adopted by a family in Waseca, Minn.

William received his public school education in Mountain Lake, beginning in 1904 and graduating in 1917. He entered the Art Institute of Chicago the following fall but completed only one year before being inducted into the army as a noncombatant in the fall of 1918. The war ended after his induction and he was discharged before the end of the year.

He intended to continue his studies in Chicago, but lack of funds and an urgent need for carpenters at home influenced him to pursue construction work for a temporary period. Unknown to him then, this temporary decision shaped his life's work. Countless homes and farms in this community stand as evidence of productive years from 1919 to 1942. He considered his part in the erection of the Bethel Church in 1941 as the climax of his construction career. From 1942 to 1963 he confined his work to his shop, known as Regier Millworks, where he manufactured cabinets and millwork.

On June 22, 1923, he married Emelia Kintzi of Mountain Lake. To this union two children were born. Immediately after marriage they occupied their new home one block west of his parental home where he resided until his death. In June 1963 they observed their fortieth wedding anniversary.

He was actively interested in the community in which he lived. He served on the school board and as a commissioner for the Municipal Light and Power Plant.

His most active interest, however, centered in his home church, the Bethel Church. Reared by his parents who were charter members of the church, he soon absorbed the vision they had for the church. He was baptized by his father on June 11, 1916, and participated actively in the church since that time. For many years he served on the Board of Trustees and the Board of Deacons. In addition he saw long periods of service as Sunday school teacher and choir member.

During 1963 his health began failing noticeably and on Jan. 25, 1964, he died of cancer at the age of 66 years, eleven months, and five days.

He is survived by his wife; one daughter, Lola Mae (Mrs. Willard Wiebe) of Mountain Lake; one son, Robert William of Urbana, Ill.; a son-in-law, daughter-in-law; six grandchildren; relatives and friends.

The Mennonite obituary: 1964 Feb 25 p. 122