John Regelbrugge Obituary - Death Notice and Service Information

John Regelbrugge III, 49, died of injuries sustained in mudslides in Oso, Wash., in March 2014.

Married 17 years, John and Kris Regelbrugge were an affectionate couple, who adored each other and hosted countless bonfires for the neighborhood, said Debby Rule, a former neighbor. The couple had three sons and two daughters. The couple's third son, who lived with them, had left for work at a lumber mill just before the slide.

John was a 32-year-Navy veteran. He was the officer in charge of the Everett detachment of the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard & and Intermediate Maintenance Facility. Kris was a stay-at-home mom, Rule said. Kris Regelbrugge "had a great heart, a wide-eyed innocence. She was a lot of fun and a wonderful mother," said John's brother, Joe, who along with siblings Greg and Danny, and their nephews, searched for the bodies of John and Kris.

"They were just great people," Joe said. "When you walked into their home, you knew you were welcome."

Courtesy of The Seattle Times

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John was a student in my English class at Esparto High School. He was a real pleasure in class as he was diligent, hard working, outgoing, personable, and funny. Some six years after he graduated from Esparto High and entered the US Navy, he made a point of paying me a visit when I was the principal of Esparto Elementary/Jr. High. He was excited and proud, as he should have been, concerning his service in the Navy. In turn, I told him how proud I was of him and what he had accomplished.

SAM TOTTEN

April 04, 2025 | Friend

I lost my brother and sister and closest friends I ever had. I will always hurt

Neal Addis

October 23, 2021 | Bay City, MI | Friend

I served with John onboard the U.S.S. Willamette AO-180 stationed in Pearl Harbor Hawaii. I was one of John's best friend's at the time. He knew his job and was passionate about doing it and doing it well. We worked hard and played hard! I helped him put a lift kit on his truck back in 1988. Learned to water ski out on his boat. Lots of good times on and off the ship. He was a good leader, a great friend and the Best shipmate! Rest in Peace!

BMCM John Gurba
U.S.N./RET.

John Gurba

June 13, 2018 | Belle Chasse, LA

Valenda Newell

November 24, 2016 | Indianapolis, IN

U are my hero. . Never met u.. ur my hero. . Ur wife is my biggest hero of all.. Waited for her. . Rip

kim Carey

May 09, 2015 | MountLake Terrace Wash

John you will always be remembered for everything that you taught your sailors you are a great man and a great mentor.

Tanner Springer

April 09, 2014 | Corpus Christi, TX

I did not know John, but my grandson BM1Bridgewater did. He spoke very highly of John. He was Robert's mentor and good friend. John was very instrumental with Robert's Navy career being what it is today. Thanks to your family for sharing John with so many Navy personnel. My heart goes out to you in this very heartbreaking circumstance. May God bless you all and help you through this.

Sue Bridgewater

April 08, 2014 | Midland, PA

I served with John at Pearl Harbor back in the mid 80's. we were basically kids, and had a lot of fun at that duty station. John was a serious Navy man though and a joy to be around. His enthusiasm was contagious. I was so shocked and saddened to hear his life was cut short. What a loss to everyone who knew him.

I send my best wishes and condolences to his kids and family.

Shawna Peterson
New York

Shawna Peterson

April 05, 2014 | New York, NY

John and Kris are amazing people. They loved life and each other and above all their children. John served our country proudly for 32 years and for that I am thank full! Please hold on to the fact that they are together and they love you guys MORE than you know. They will continue to watch over as will Heavenly Father!

Love Cindi Tamargo

Cindi Tamargo

April 04, 2014 | Benicia, CA

John Regelbrugge III

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