Francis Mike Regenwether's Obituary
Francis (Mike) Regenwether, age 80 of Centerville, Iowa passed away Sunday, November 24, 2013 at Centerville Nursing and Rehab Center, Centerville.
Mike was born March 13, 1933 in Maquoketa, Iowa, the son of Clarence M. and Helen A. (Ralston) Regenwether. He was raised in Maquoketa and graduated from Maquoketa High School in 1950. Mike enlisted in the United States Navy on May 22, 1952. He served his country faithfully in the Korean War.
On July 12, 1958 Mike married Frances Charlene Crouch at the First Baptist Church in Maquoketa, Iowa. To this union, Patrick Regenwether was born in 1960.
Mike first began employment after high school with Clinton Engines in Maquoketa. Mike and Charlene later moved to Washington D.C. when Mike became employed with Coca-Cola. During his three year period of employment in Washington D.C. he first worked in delivery with the company. Mike later transitioned into maintenance with Coca-Cola. Mike and Charlene would relocate to Dubuque, Iowa in 1966. They enjoyed being back in their home state and moreover, Mike was able to continue employment with Coca-Cola. He eventually went to work as a repairman with Montgomery Ward. Mike's term of employment with Montgomery Ward spanned several years until his retirement in 1984. He later became manager of the Forest Lake Baptist Camp located south of Ottumwa, Iowa. His career in management with Forest Lake Baptist Camp began in January of 1985 and lasted until his retirement in 1994. Mike and Charlene moved to Centerville, Iowa in 1994.
Even in retirement Mike continued volunteering his time to numerous groups and organizations. He was named Layman of the Year by Mid-American Baptist Men in 2005. Mike held several positions in the Mid-American Baptist Church throughout his lifetime, including youth leader, treasurer and trustee. He also continued volunteer work at Forest Lake Baptist Camp. Mike even traveled to Nicaragua on a missions trip for a week in order to help build a medical clinic. He was a long time member of the First Baptist Church in Ottumwa, Iowa.
In his free time he had several passions, including fishing, woodworking, and leatherworking. Mike was a member of the VFW and former member of the Mystic American Legion.
Mike is survived by his wife Charlene Regenwether of Centerville, Iowa; his son Pat (Patsy) Regenwether of Centerville, Iowa; three grandchildren, Christien M. Regenwether of Centerville, Iowa, Larry (Linda) Wilson of Centerville, Iowa and Rachel (Scott) Pugh of Urbandale, Iowa; four great grandchildren, Daniel (Nicole) Cowan of Polk City, Iowa, Alyssa Cowan of Centerville, Iowa, Aubriana Regenwether of Centerville, Iowa and Nathan Pugh of Urbandale, Iowa; two sisters, Mary Jo (Ennis) Crouch of Maquoketa, Iowa and Sandra Irene (Don-deceased) Smith of Preston, Iowa; four brother-in-laws, Warren (Kathryn) Crouch of Bellevue, Iowa, Thomas (Norma-deceased) Crouch, Ennis (Mary Jo) Crouch and Weaver (Hazel-deceased) Crouch of Maquoketa, Iowa; a sister-in-law Arlene (Joe-deceased) Witczak of Naples, Florida; many nephews, nieces, cousins and friends. Mike was preceded in death by his parents; and a sister, Anna Mae Jackson.
Funeral services with military rites will be held at 10:30 AM, Wednesday, November 27, 2013 at Lange Funeral Home and Crematory in Centerville with Pastors Don Bramschreiber, Jeremy McElvain, Dale Shadonix and William Rathbun officiating. A visitation will be held on Tuesday at Lange Funeral Home and Crematory from 10 AM-8 PM, with the family present from 6-8 PM. Cremation will follow the funeral service and inurnment in the Oakland Cemetery will be held at a later date. Memorials have been established to either the Forest Lake Baptist Camp of Bloomfield, Iowa or Care Initiatives Hospice of Albia, Iowa and may be given to Lange Funeral Home, 1900 S. 18th St., Centerville, Iowa, 52544. Condolences may be shared online at www.langefh.com.
Visitation
November 26, 2013 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Lange Funeral Home 1900 S. 18th St. Centerville, IA (641) 856-2000
Funeral Service
November 27, 2013 10:30 AM
Lange Funeral Home 1900 S. 18th St. Centerville, IA (641) 856-2000
What’s your fondest memory of Francis?
What’s a lesson you learned from Francis?
Share a story where Francis' kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Francis you’ll never forget.
How did Francis make you smile?