Harry E. Rego, 76, of Ontario passed away Monday, Dec. 29, 2014, at the Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center in La Crosse.
Harry was born in Richland Center, Wis., on June 3, 1938, to Myron Anthony and Minnie Marie (Maxwell) Rego. Following graduation, Harry served in both the Army and Navy, completing basic training in both branches. He worked at Edward Kraemer and Sons and The Kraemer Company for over 32 years as a road construction/gravel truck driver.
Harry and his soulmate, Sue Ellen Brueggeman, were together for over 35 years. They treated Feb. 14, their wedding anniversary, as the highlight of their year. Together they loved traveling. They enjoyed many trips earned from selling Tupperware. From cruising to Alaska and many Mexican ports of call, Hawaii and Pearl Harbor were among the most outstanding sites. Harry and Sue made many trips to see best friends Beaner and Mary in Forest Grove, Ore. They enjoyed the ocean for a week at a time.
Harry enjoyed deer hunting with both a bow and rifle. Harry purchased his first gun at Robinson’s Hardware Store in Ontario. He was an outdoorsman who loved being out in nature, especially on the farm hunting with his dog, Rex. Harry loved camping and was a good fisherman. He also liked watching westerns, the Green Bay Packers and attending a good happy hour.
Harry was a very special person and touched a lot of lives. Harry was a very fun-loving, caring and generous person. He will be missed greatly by all who knew him.
Harry is survived by his wife, Sue of Ontario; two sons, Paul (Cathy) Rego of House Spring, Mo., and David Rego of Bonney Lake, Wash.; his sisters, Nora (Jim) Pansch of Wildwood, Mo., Carol (Wilson) Holdredge of Rochester, Minn., and Marilyn Rego of Tucson, Ariz.; his grandchildren, Amanda, Kyle and Owen Rego; Sue’s family, JoAnn (Jim) Peterson of Tomah, Donald Brueggeman of Kendall, David (Marlene) Brueggeman of Wilton, Robert (Connie) Brueggeman of Ontario, Douglas (Shelly) Brueggeman of Ontario, and Wendy Brueggeman; his mother-in-law, Ruthie Parker of Wilton; along with many nieces, nephews, other relatives and dear friends.
Harry was preceded in death by his parents, Myron and Minnie; and his father-in-law, LaVerne Brueggeman.
Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 3, at Grace Community Church in Ontario. Pastor Bruce Milleman will officiate. Burial with full military honors will follow at the Hilltop Rest Cemetery in Ontario. Family and friends are invited for visitation Friday, Jan. 2, from 3–7 p.m. at Grace Community Church in Ontario. Visitation will also be held Saturday from 10 a.m. until the time of service at the church. The Torkelson Funeral Home of Ontario is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be offered at www.torkelsonfuneralhome.com.
