Leonard T. Regehr

Leonard Theodore Regehr, of Buhl, Idaho passed quietly from this life in the early morning hours of December 7, 2022. He was born March 15, 1928 at Winton, California, to John D. and Helena (Loewen) Regehr, enjoying over 94 years of life.

Dad spent his childhood in California, where he received his education. At the age of 14 he gave his heart to the Lord. He was baptized into the Church of God in Christ, Mennonite, remaining faithful to his vows to the end. Hard manual labor was a way of life. By the age of six ,dad was milking cows by hand. His interest in horses started on the family farm. As a teenager, he helped his father build a barn, wash house and the family home. These buildings were all constructed of rock. They used their 1934 Ford pickup and a wagon to transport the rock from 20 miles away. Moving to Bonners Ferry, Idaho at the age of 18, he helped his father construct another rock house.

It was here that he met me, Dessie Jane Dirks. We were married in the new little white church on November 7, 1948. Our first home was in a bunkhouse on Uncle Ben's farm. God blessed our home with two daughters, and three sons, granting us 74 years together. We as children felt very secure in our growing up years as dad willingly filled his place as father. Dad worked at various jobs including farming, sawmill work, construction, and operating a wood cut up shop. He always had a good word for his bosses and enjoyed working with other men. It was during this time that he had an eye surgery that laid him up in the hospital for sometime. This was quite a trial for dad. Poor eyesight plagued him the rest of his life. His love of singing helped carry him through these hard times.

In the spring of 1975, dad moved the family to southern Idaho. He worked on a cattle ranch here, then started farming on his own in the Buhl area, and also Bruneau. Later he worked for a dairy and operated a portable, grain rolling business. In 1993 Dad and Mom went to Ottumwa, Iowa to be house parents at a boy’s CPS unit, rebuilding after a flood there. They enjoyed the work, making lifelong friends. In 2000 Dad semi-retired and he and Mom moved to Moonglo, a senior living neighborhood in Buhl. He continued to help area farmers in harvest, driving silage truck, and tinkering in his wood shop. In about 2010 he thought he better quit driving truck, while he was ahead. In April 2022, Sage Crest, our new retirement village, opened in Buhl and as dad's body was slowly wearing out, he and mom moved in, to enjoy having a little personal help.

Dad really appreciated the care, and the caregivers. His fellow residents say they appreciated his quiet humor and positive attitude.

Those left to cherish fond memories are his loving wife, Dessie; children, Patti Dirks, Macon, Mississippi; Judy, and Maynard Holdeman, Mike and Darla Regehr, Buhl, Idaho; Tony and Bonita Regehr, Gooding, Idaho; and Tom and Marsha Regehr, Grant, Nebraska; 19 grandchildren, 41 great grandchildren, 10 great-great grandchildren; one sister, Lovina, Greeley, Colorado; five brothers-in-law, and six sisters-in-law. Preceding him in death were two brothers; five sisters; 11 brothers-in-law; six sisters-in-law; one granddaughter; one grandson; and four great grandchildren.

A viewing will be held starting at 5:00 p.m, Saturday, December 10, 2022 at Valley View Mennonite Church. A funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m., Sunday December 11, 2022 at Valley View Mennonite Church. Interment will conclude at the Valley View Mennonite Cemetery.

Memories and condolences may be shared with the family on Leonard’s memorial webpage at www.farmerfuneralchapel.com.