Walter Regehr

Walter Regehr was born on December 17, 1930, to Abram L & Helena Toews Regehr in Swalwell, Alberta. He peacefully crossed the Jordan River surrounded by loving family at his home in Ringwood, Oklahoma, on August 12, 2026, reaching the age of 95 years. Dad spent his early years on the family farm as the 2nd youngest of 9 children. He received his education at the Linden School. At the age of 13 he gave his heart to the Lord and was baptized into the Church of God in Christ, Mennonite.

Dad's early years were shaped by the tragic death of his nephew and the loss of 3 close friends when he was around 13 years old. He told us that these events caused him to build a protective "wall" around himself. This all changed when he was 30 years old. While on a trip to California he had a medical emergency and his heart stopped. God allowed him to have a very real vision of Heaven that he never forgot. The intense feeling of love that he felt in his Heaven experience broke down the wall he had built around himself and changed his relationship with God.

Because of this experience, Dad was instrumental in establishing the Kneehill Ambulance Service in 1971. Over the next 25 years, he touched countless lives through his service to others. This past May, he was recognized for his role in that effort, though he was quick to point out that the many volunteers who served alongside him deserved equal credit. Dad was an ambulance driver at heart and drove like one until he quit driving about eight weeks before his passing. He was always thinking about the quickest way to get from point A to point B. He was teachable, however and at the urging of his oldest son, did slow down to the posted speed limit in the last year.

In his late teens, Dad worked in a lumber camp in Cremona, AB. Always adventurous, he decided in 1949 to spend nearly an entire winter's wages on an airline ticket from Calgary to Vancouver. His goal was to attend his brother Abe's wedding in Abbotsford, BC and visit a special young woman named Lydda. His unexpected arrival surprised the family, and they were likely a little dismayed to learn how much he had spent on the trip. But for Dad, the opportunity to see Lydda again and be present for Abe's wedding was worth far more than a winter's wages.

On June 24, 1951, he married his childhood sweetheart, Lydda Duerksen, in Abbotsford, BC. Dad and Mom raised 6 children and shared a special bond for 69 years. Dad would reminisce fondly about how they sang together as a family while they drove. Their home was open to all and Dad had a real compassion for those who were facing challenges in life. Dad was passionate about reaching out to those who were estranged from God. He wanted everyone he met to experience the warmth of God’s Holy Spirit.

Soon after their marriage Dad got a job in the oilfield working on the drilling rigs around Drumheller. After less than one year on the rigs he embarked on his career as an electrician and eventually Walt's Electric was born. This career became a passion for him and he continued to do electrical projects for friends until he was in his 80s. In 1963 Dad and our uncle Bernie became business partners on their newest venture, Walbern. Armed with a Big Dutchman franchise they provided the equipment to raise hogs and chickens all across Canada. In 1991 Dad sold Walbern and officially retired.

In 1995 Dad and Mom purchased a house in Ringwood and began spending their winters in Oklahoma and their summers in Linden. Dad became the community handyman. We can't begin to count how many appliances and power tools he repaired and electrical projects he took on. They fell in love with the Goltry congregation and were loved in return. They made countless friends in the Ringwood area and they enjoyed visiting and taking them out for meals. When Mom passed away in Dec of 2020, Dad decided to move to Oklahoma permanently. He found his place in the Ringwood congregation and was completely secure in the love of his brothers and sisters there. He was in church every Sunday and was an active participant in Sunday School until he physically could no longer attend.

Dad enjoyed above average health and stamina and was grateful for it. Several years ago, he started to have some trouble walking long distances. He prayed about it and felt like the Lord clearly told him that He wouldn't promise him that his walking would be easy or pain free, but He would keep him walking. The Lord kept his promise, and Dad walked his last earthly steps 17 hours before he took his first heavenly ones. Dad would comment that he wasn't afraid to die but was a little concerned about the "marshy stuff" on this side of the Jordan River. His health had declined quite rapidly in the last several months but he had very little pain and we thank God for this blessing. We are very thankful for the in-home care he received from Tammy, Corina, and Tori. His mind was sharp until the end.

In his final days Dad told us that the phrase "I have fought a good fight" kept going through his mind. As a family we feel the same way. As we look over Dad's life we see he wasn’t perfect, but we appreciate his continued determination to be faithful to the Lord and His Spirit. Two days before his passing he again expressed a deep desire that all his family would meet him in Heaven.

Left to cherish all the precious memories are his children: Dorothy Unruh, Bonners Ferry, ID; Lyle and Karen Regehr, Pincher Creek AB; Benita Reimer, Ringwood, OK; Connie Regehr, Blackfalds, AB; Don & Katie Regehr, Linden, AB. 30 grandchildren; 44 great grandchildren; 1 great-great grandson, 2 sisters-in-law and many nephews, nieces and friends.

He deeply grieved the passing of his dear wife, Lydda, daughter and son-in-law Marilyn & Rawlyn Thiessen, sons-in-law Clay Unruh and Dean Reimer, and his first infant grandson Kenton Unruh.

Funeral service for Walt will be held on Wednesday, August 19, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at the Pleasant View Mennonite Church in Goltry, Oklahoma. Burial will be at a later date in Linden Cemetery. Viewing will be at Lanman Funeral Home, Inc. in Helena on Tuesday from 1:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. with family present. Viewing will start at 5:30 p.m. at the Ringwood Mennonite School and memories will begin at 7:30 p.m. There will also be a dinner for family and friends traveling in at 6:00 p.m. Arrangements are by Lanman Funeral Home, Inc. of Helena. Facebook: Lanman Funeral Home Inc. Website: www.lanmanfuneralhome.com