Peter Regnery, 1943 – 2024
My heart is ready, O God, my heart is ready: I will sing and rehearse a psalm. Arise, O my glory, arise psaltery and harp: I will arise early. I will give praise to thee, O Lord, among the people: I will sing a psalm to thee among the nations.”
– Psalm 56(57):8-10
Surrounded by the presence and prayers of family and friends, Peter B. Regnery passed into the next life in the early morning hours of August 7, 2024. Peter will be remembered as a loving husband and brother (and adopted “grandfather” to the many of his neighbor’s children – and children’s children). He will also be remembered as a great conversationalist and for his incomparable greeting – a straight look in the eye, a firm handshake, and the exclamation, “You look terrific!” Visitors to Peter and Barbara’s farm will also cherish his unfailing hospitality to family, friends, and strangers.
A native of Hinsdale, IL, Peter was born on February 9, 1943. He was preceded in death by his parents William F. Regnery and Elisabeth B. Regnery (nee Brittain), and his siblings William H. Regnery (Judith), David B. Regnery (Linda) and Anne F. Regnery. He is survived by his wife of more than half a century, Barbara D. Regnery; his brother Patrick Regnery (Deborah); his sisters-in-law Deborah K. Regnery, Judith T. Regnery, Linda S. Regnery; and six nephews and a niece.
Peter attended Avery Coonley School, Downers Grove, IL, and Fountain Valley School, Colorado Springs, CO, before matriculating at George Washington University, Washington, D.C. After college, from 1964 to 1977, he worked for Joanna Western, Inc., of Chicago, a family-owned concern specializing in textile manufacturing. He worked in various departments at the company specializing in mechanical engineering. He enjoyed the work and especially the people he worked with. When he moved to his beloved farm near the county line between Richland County and Crawford County, WI in 1977, he invited many of them for a visit.
On the farm, Peter took great joy in raising a variety of livestock. Visitors took easy note of the many sheep and cattle (especially the shaggy Scottish Highland breed), and a pair of “watch-burros” (to scare away coyotes and other varmints) that wandered the pastured hillsides surrounding the bucolic Regnery farmstead. Peter also treasured raising a long succession of Labrador Retrievers who were more family than pets for him and Barbara. Peter is also survived by the last of these faithful companions, Fritz.
In Peter’s early 20s, he obtained a pilot’s license after training on a single-engine Piper Cub at a small private airport south of Hinsdale. Peter never lost the desire to fly, which led to his obtaining a helicopter pilot’s license. In addition to the usual outbuildings necessary for husbandry, the Regnery farm also featured a helicopter hangar which Peter built and maintained. Family and friends could expect an adventure in the air when they visited Peter and Barbara’s farm. Few denizens of the Driftless area, where the Regnery farm is located, had a better view of Wisconsin’s October colors than did the passengers on Peter’s chopper.
For several years, Peter and Barbara shared their time between their property in southwest Wisconsin and a home in Boca Grande, FL. Peter’s brother remembers that he “never wanted to ‘retire.’ He so loved the day-to-day activity of managing the house, animals, and his land. He was good at it. It gave him the purpose of his life for almost 50 years. Peter also loved cooking and entertaining many friends and relatives. He was a gracious, generous, faithful brother, and friend to many. He will be deeply missed!”
Peter’s funeral will be held at 2:30 p.m. on September 28 at St. Philip Church near Rolling Ground, WI.
A committal service and reception will follow at the Regnery Farm. The Pratt Funeral and Cremation Service is assisting the family with their arrangements.
