Isaac Peter Regehr died Nov. 21, 2010. He was born Sept. 12, 1923 in Margenau, Ukraine to Peter and Mary Regehr. He was saved as a young man and baptized in Gronau, Germany, in his early 20s. During WWII, Isaac was separated from his family, conscripted into the German army, and saw action on the eastern front. He was handed over to the Russians as a prisoner of war. After months of captivity, he escaped, crossing 6 borders to freedom. In 1946, Isaac arrived at a refugee camp in West Germany; here he met and learned to love Susie Penner. In 1947, Isaac immigrated to Canada as a logger and worked in an Ontario camp for the winter. He married Susie in Coaldale, Alta., Nov. 14, 1948. Isaac became a journeyman carpenter. In Coaldale MB Church, he taught high school boys’ Sunday school classes, sang bass in the men’s choir, and cared for the church facilities and grounds. After daughter Hilda and son Abe died within 3 months, Isaac reminded the family of God’s sovereignty, wisdom, and love (Isaiah 55:8−9). Soon after, Isaac retired. When their first grandchild Amy died before birth, Isaac again gathered the family and acknowledged their dependence on God. He was a loving father and grandfather, assisting his children however he could. In 1992, Isaac and Susie reunited with his siblings in Germany after 40 years apart. They again visited Germany in 1994. He will be remembered as an intelligent man, with a sharp mind and memory to his final hour. Despite cancer pain, Isaac’s faith remained strong to the end. Predeceased by daughter Hilda, son Abe, granddaughter Amy; Isaac is mourned by Susie; children Jake, Elfrieda (Frank Hubert); 3 grandchildren; 2 great-grandchildren; 4 siblings.
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