Dr. Leon Regner





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 & Crematory
5111-60th Street
Kenosha, WI 53144
Phone: (262) 654-3533
Visit "Doc's" Online Memorial Book at:
www.prokofuneralhome.com∼Grave photo by Paula Frye 12-02-2009