Betty Regnier
Betty Regnier, age 93, of Canby, MN, passed away Thursday, September 23, 2021, at the Prairie Home Hospice House in Marshall, MN. Mass of Christian burial will be 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, September 28, 2021, at the St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Canby, MN. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial will be in the St. Peter’s Catholic Cemetery, Canby, MN. Houseman Funeral Home, Birk Chapel in Canby is entrusted with the arrangements.
Betty Lou (Lantgen) Regnier was born on March 30, 1928, to Michael and Elizabeth (Cordell) Lantgen on the family farm near Kranzburg, SD, and was the youngest of 13 children. In 1934, the family moved into Watertown, SD. Betty graduated from the Watertown High School at age 16 during World War II and moved to Chicago to live with her sister, Lucille VanMoorlehem, to help take care of her two nephews. While in Chicago, Betty worked at the International Harvester manufacturing plant in the tool crib. Betty returned to Watertown, SD, when the war ended and lived there until she was united in marriage to Clem Regnier on February 28, 1949. Five children were born to this union, Ronald, Susan, Darrell, Diane, and Jane.
Betty and Clem raised their family on a farm near Canby, MN, along with cash crops, dairy cattle, beef cattle, hogs and chickens. Betty was a dedicated wife and mother and worked together with Clem on the farm and with their auction businesses including the Porter Livestock Auction, the Canby Livestock Auction and the Regnier Auction & Clerking Service.
Betty was an active member of the Minnesota State Cattle Women’s Association, the Clark Hanson VFW Post 117 Women’s Auxiliary, and the local Red Hats Society. She volunteered as a teacher’s aide for the St. Peter’s School and sewed uniforms for the students. Betty was a strong supporter of 4-H and served as a club leader for the Normanites 4-H Club for several years.
Betty was an avid gardener. She enjoyed golfing, bowling, fishing, sewing and watching the Minnesota Twins, Minnesota Vikings, Minnesota Gophers, and tractor pulling. Betty and Clem enjoyed traveling throughout the United States, Canada and Mexico. Their most memorable trip was to Brazil and Argentina in South America with an agriculture tour. Betty was passionate about spending time with her family and friends. All were welcome at Betty’s home, and no one left hungry as she was an outstanding cook and fun-loving hostess and was always up for a good card game of Rummy with the grandkids. During her retirement, Betty wintered near Mesa, Arizona, where she met many friends. Betty is survived by her children, Ronald Regnier of Canby, MN, Susan Davis of Canby, MN, Darrell (Dawn) Regnier of Canby, MN, Diane (Doug) Anderson of Big Stone City, SD, and Jane Jennen (Rodney Gaffney) of Minneota, MN; 17 grandchildren, 28 great-grandchildren; six great-great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. Betty was preceded in death by Clem, her husband of 54 years; parents, Michael and Elizabeth Lantgen; 12 siblings and their spouses; and many nieces and nephews.
Blessed be her memory.
In lieu of flowers or cards, please pay it forward to the St. Peter’s Catholic School in Canby, MN.