Regis Gatz

Regis John Robert Gatz, Sr., 80, a resident of Fergus Falls, died Saturday, November 17, 2007, as the result of an automobile accident south of Foxhome, Minnesota. He was born June 6, 1927, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the son of Aloysius and Veronica (Jacob) Gatz. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1942 to 1946 and was a veteran of World War II. On August 13, 1956, he married Beverly McCrossin in Pasco, Washington. Regis loved to travel, so for ten years he was a traveling salesman all over the United States. He was then employed in Fergus Falls with Park Region Bakery, now known as Sara Lee. Regis left Fergus Falls for a position as a crane operator at Metal Matic in Minneapolis. He retired after 25 years and moved back to Fergus Falls to be near his family and friends. Regis will be remembered for his sense of humor that he loved sharing with family and friends. With all his travels, he would ask if you knew the capitals of the states. He loved the looks he would get from people when they heard his mooing, barking, and the different bird calls he would make. Regis looked forward to his daily walks out at the mall, having coffee, and sharing and listening to stories with his buddies. There are many memories of Regis we will hold close in our hearts. Preceding him in death were his parents; brothers, Robert and Gerald; his sister, Helen Torhan, who was a nun for 25 years; one niece and one nephew. Survivors include two sons: Regis Gatz Jr. of Parkers Prairie, and William Gatz of Fergus Falls; four daughters: Gaylynn Nething of Pennsylvania, Carol (Roger) Turner of Missouri, Tammy Madson of West Fargo, and Lisa (Blake) Tommerdahl of Fergus Falls; ten grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; three sisters: Rosemarie (Tom) Abbott, of Pittsburgh, PA, Marian Cene of Pittsburgh, and Doris Heinrich of Florida; and numerous nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews. Memorial Service: 1 p.m. Wednesday, November 21, 2007 at the Olson Funeral Home Chapel in Fergus Falls. Military Participation by VFW Post 612 and American Legion Post 30 Clergy:     Reverend Tom Gard Interment: The Queen of Heaven Cemetery, Rt. 19, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Funeral Home:     Olson Funeral Home, 711 Pebble Lake Road, Fergus Falls MN Condolences may be sent online at www.olsonfuneralhome.com