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.