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Regis Lawrence Koelzer

Axtell, Kansas

03/27/1931 - 03/24/2021

Regis Lawrence Koelzer, 89, of Axtell, Kansas passed away, with his family by his side, on Wednesday, March 24, 2021 at Nemaha Valley Community Hospital in Seneca.

Regis was born on March 27, 1931 to Allie and Irene (Hammes) Koelzer on the family farm north of Baileyville. He attended school in Baileyville. Afterwards, he helped his father on the farm, and worked part-time for Uhlig & Reece and also, for Jim Markley. On January 25, 1952 he was drafted into the US Army; and reported to Camp Roberts in California for six weeks of basic training. He spent two months at Camp Kilmer in New Jersey. During the Korean War, he was stationed in Salzburg, Austria. He returned home from the service on December 23, 1953 and returned to farming.

He married Lucille Rottinghaus on February 10, 1958 at St. Bede’s Catholic Church in Kelly. After a few years of living in Baileyville, they bought a farm near Axtell in 1962. Along with farming, Regis ran the bulldozer and road grader for 40 years for the Murray Township. He belonged to St. Michael’s Catholic Church, where he served on the school board, parish council and was also a lay minister. He was a member of the Fourth Degree Ponce de Leon Assembly and the Axtell Knights of Columbus Council #1163. He was commander of the American Legion Post 214 and served as co-chairman when the new legion was built. For 15 years, Regis was part owner in the Axtell Grain Company.

Regis loved working outside on the farm; but you could also catch him enjoying a good card game.

Regis was preceded in death by an infant son, Ronnie on January 28, 1960, his parents, brothers, Richard, Elmer and Gilbert; and sisters, Marceil Haverkamp, Mildred Stallbaumer, Evelyn Heiman, Leona Bergman, Eileen Koelzer and Audrey Mueting.

He is survived by his wife Lucille and seven children, Donna Koelzer of Manhattan, Joyce (Kent) Polson of Vliets, Joan (Tim) Buessing of Axtell, Lisa (Bob) Fangman of Ottawa, Bruce Koelzer of Axtell, Dean Koelzer of Silver Lake and Sandy (Bill) Buessing of Axtell; his sister, Laverne Uphaus of Topeka; 15 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on his 90th Birthday, Saturday, March 27, 2021 at 10 AM at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Axtell. Regis will be laid to rest in the Sacred Heart Cemetery in Baileyville. Rosaries will be held on Friday, March 26th, with an afternoon rosary at 2 PM at the Lauer Funeral Home in Seneca, and an evening rosary at 7:30 PM at St Michael’s Church in Axtell.

Masks are encouraged at these services.

Memorials may be left in his memory to the American Legion Post 214 and/or St. Michael’s Catholic Church, sent in care of the family.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on his 90th Birthday, Saturday, March 27, 2021 at 10 AM at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Axtell. Regis will be laid to rest in the Sacred Heart Cemetery in Baileyville. Rosaries will be held on Friday, March 26th, with an afternoon rosary at 2 PM at the Lauer Funeral Home in Seneca, and an evening rosary at 7:30 PM at St Michael’s Church in Axtell.

Masks are encouraged at these services.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on his 90th Birthday, Saturday, March 27, 2021 at 10 AM at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Axtell. Regis will be laid to rest in the Sacred Heart Cemetery in Baileyville. Rosaries will be held on Friday, March 26th, with an afternoon rosary at 2 PM at the Lauer Funeral Home in Seneca, and an evening rosary at 7:30 PM at St Michael’s Church in Axtell.

Masks are encouraged at these services.

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9 Comments

  1. Coletta Tinley on March 24, 2021 at 5:37 pm

    Lucille and family, so sorry to read of Regis’ passing. May his soul Rest In Peace. Always will remember him at our reunions. I will stay in touch with you till the end of time. My love and prayers. The old classmate. Coletta

  2. Joan Akin on March 24, 2021 at 6:29 pm

    So sorry for your loss . Your family is my prayers

  3. Don & Marsha Hulsing on March 25, 2021 at 8:37 am

    Our sympathy goes out to you Lucille, and to your children and their families. We are very sorry for your loss.

  4. Linda Douglas on March 25, 2021 at 10:08 am

    Lisa and family,
    So sorry for your loss. Please know that others care and are sending thoughts and prayers to you and your family during this difficult time.

  5. Richard "Dick" Anderson on March 25, 2021 at 12:59 pm

    So sorry for your loss. His outstanding family will be in our prayers.

  6. Julie Wilburn on March 25, 2021 at 3:42 pm

    Joyce, Kent, Brian, Shelia and family, I am so sorry for the loss of your Father and Grandfather. Sending prayers to you and your family.

  7. Kristin Copeland on March 25, 2021 at 3:51 pm

    I am so sorry for your family. I was only around Mr. Koelzer a couple of times but I enjoyed him.

  8. Allan Ring and Connie Smith on March 25, 2021 at 10:10 pm

    Bruce, Lucille and Koelzer family,
    Our sympathies go to you all on the death of Regis. We will fondly remember the gardening and crops in the fields that Regis so enjoyed throughout years with our parents, Raymond and May Ring. May your sadness be tempered with joy as you recall Regis’ life during this time of loss.

  9. Darleen Porting on March 26, 2021 at 5:56 pm

    Lucille and family, my love goes out to all of you, we have had many great times going to ball games, cards in the 60 plus years of friendship. You are all in my prayers .

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