Dr. Leon J. Regner, O.D., was welcomed into God's Kingdom on May 27th, 2008, at Hospice House. "Doc" was born on September 3, 1914, in Kenosha, WI, and was the son of the late John and Caroline (Fonk) Regner. He attended Durkee, St. James and Kenosha Central High schools. In June of 1940 he graduated from northern Illinois College of Optometry and became the second of three generations to earn a degree in optometry. Dr. Regner's father, John M. Regner, received his degree in 1916, his son John L. in 1969. Dr. Regner's involvement in the community attests to the fact that he loved his hometown. A past president of the Serra Club and St. Joseph High School Athletic Association, he was also a member of the Elks Club, Chamber of Commerce, and American Optometric Foundation. On May 2, 1942, he was united in marriage to Helen Veale; they were married at St. James Catholic Church and recently celebrated their 66th anniversary. Leon was the consummate "Dad"; he supported all of his son's in all of their activities and their careers. He and his wife, Helen, always made sure that the family came first. He was an outstanding "role model" for his children and their families. "Doc" is survived by his wife, Helen; four sons, Dr. John (Elizabeth) Regner, Thomas (Shirley) Regner of Reno, NV, Robert (Patricia) and Richard (Sharon); and three sisters, Janet Pobar of Racine, Caroline Pocius and Cecelia Regner. Left to remember "Doc's" life are his nine grandchildren, Matthew (Michele) Regner of Tampa, FL, Dr. Margaret (David) Hodge of Pleasant Prairie, Mollie (Dr. Walter) Wiesztort of Pleasant Prairie, Carol Ann (Jem) Chapman of Reno, NV, Dr. Kenneth (Maria) Regner of Katie, TX, Christina (Scott) Kennow of Pleasant Prairie, Amy (Michael) Braun of Phoenix, AZ, Dr. Kevin (Dr. Dawn) Regner of Brookfield, WI, and Michael (Kelly) Regner of Racine. His legacy also includes 15 great-grandchildren, Michael, John, Benjamin, Logan, Elliott, Chelsea, Michael, Kailey, Riley, Abraham, Ainsley, Asa, Jack, Rachael and Ryan. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two sisters, Aleth Regner and Marion Regner; and a great-granddaughter, Elizabeth Hodge. A special thank you to France Rosenfeldt, caregiver, Dr. Mitchell Ziarko and the staff at Hospice Alliance. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, May 31st, from Proko Funeral Home at 9:30 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Therese Catholic Church at 10:00 a.m. Interment will follow at Sunset Ridge Memorial Park. A visitation for Doc will be held at Proko Funeral Home on Friday, May 30th, from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider memorial remembrances to Hospice Alliance, 10220 Prairie Ridge Blvd., Pleasant Prairie, WI 53158.Proko Funeral Home & Crematory5111-60th StreetKenosha, WI 53144Phone: (262) 654-3533Visit "Doc's” Online Memorial Book at:www.prokofuneralhome.com
Condolences
All the Falcons
Please accept our sincere sympathy with a donation to Hospice Alliance. Our Prayers are with you all! Roger & Betty Falcon, Julie & Ron Schuler & Family, Doreen Falcon & Jon Shaffer
Brett and Melanie Holly
Uncle Rich, Aunt Sherry, and family - We are so sorry for your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Peter V. Lamantia
June 2, 2008
Tom, my sincerest condolences. Having experienced the loss of both of my parents I completely relate to your grief.God Bless!!"Go Irish"....Peter
Peter V. Lamantia
June 2, 2008
my sincerest condolences! Having experienced the passing of both of my parents I know what you're going through!God Bless!"Go Irish".....Peter
George A. Goeddeke
June 2, 2008
The Goeddeke families thoughts and prayers are with the Regners during this difficult time. May God bless Leon and all the Regners.
Harry and Mary Alexander
June 1, 2008
To: Mrs R, Tom, Shirley, and the entire Regner clan. Our sincere condolences. Lord knows he will be missed. I (Harry) for one will never forget Dr R. He and Mrs R were always there to great us - I don't think they ever missed a game! Lots of Love to all the Regners---my heavens, a truly Great Family!!!Our prayers are with all of you.Harry and Mary Alexander
Joe Tennessen
June 1, 2008
Tom,My sincerest condolences to you and all your family. "Doc" was my eye doctor after I came home from the Air Force.Joe Tennessen '63
Wayne Bartel
May 31, 2008
To the family of Leon; I wish to express my deep sympathy . I have admired him and his family and their help given to me in the years I have been in Kenosha. I and my wife are now in California. Sincerly Wayne Bartel
Ron & Carol Schuler
May 31, 2008
We express our deepest condolences in your time of loss & grief.
Cookie, Jim, Jennifer & Julian Paulsen
May 30, 2008
Dear Rich and Sherry,You and your family have our deepest sympathy. You are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Mike Serpe
May 30, 2008
Dear Rich and Sharon,Please accept my deepest sympathy. "Doc's" life will forever be reflected in the lives of children and grandchildren who will keep his qualities alive for many generations to come.Be well,Mike 6674 Hidden DriveEgg Harbor, WI 54209(920) 868-1372
Pat (Holderness) Durbin
May 30, 2008
I remember Dr. Regner not just as my eye doctor but also from Paddock Lake. As a small girl I was visiting my Uncle John at his cabin next to yours and got a fish hook in my foot. Dr. Regner came over, calmed me down and then removed the hook. My sympathies to your family.
Michael A. De Fazio
May 29, 2008
Dear members of the Dr Regner family is with my deepest sympathy that I wish to extend my sincerest condolences to each and every member of your family. Dr Regner was a highly and well respected man. He did so much for the whole community. He instilled such high values on his children and grandchildren that the Regner name will always be remember and revered know our family and yours intertwine in many ways I went to school with Rich and Sharon, my brother,Paul went to school with either Tom or John, we were long time neighbors with the Pobars, Marion and Cecelia were involved with me when I worked at CSS, the list goes on. My prayers are with you. Death is always a sad occasion but knowing that Dr Regner did so much and did not die without leaving a legacy maybe somewhat consoling. God be with you all. Rich, you did a lot for the school system both here and where my wife was from in South Miw. Sharon you also dedicated your live to many children. I could keep saying special things about each and every member of your family and still miss things. Sincerely, Michael A. De Fazio
Sue Nelson (Brickley)
May 29, 2008
I was sorry to hear of your father's death. My mother died on May 12 so I understand your loss. They were great parents and will be remembered with great love and respect.My prayers and thoughts are with all of you.Sue Nelson (Brickley)
Gabe and Elaine Sedloff
May 29, 2008
It is with deep regret we learn of Dr. Leon's passing. He truly was the example of the "Dad" that the Regner boys had and deserved. So many years working next door to the Regners was always an inspiration to high values and integrity.Dr. Leon will be missed by the entire community and we pray that his name and example will live on through the generations of his family and friends.
Angela Romano Gemignani
May 29, 2008
Dear Mrs. Regner, John, and Family,I remember Dr. Regner with fondness. I well recall the years at St. James and could view first hand the dedication to family held by both Dr. and Mrs. Regner. He was a wonderful man with warmth in every meeting I had with him. I regret being in at my son's in Nevada at this time, and unable to attend the funeral. However, please accept our deepest sympathy. My thoughts and prayers remain with you at this time. Most Sincerely, Angela and Ralph Gemignani