Thomas Regner

Thomas E. Regner

1944 - 2014

Thomas E. Regner passed away at Renown South Meadows Hospital in Reno, Nev., with his immediate family at his side on Nov. 13, 2014.

Tom was born in Kenosha, Wis., on April 19, 1944, to the late Dr. Leon and Helen Regner.

Tom attended St. James Elementary and St. Joseph High School. In high school he was active in sports and played basketball, football and track. In his Senior year he was captain of the basketball team and lettered in all three sports for four years.

Tom was offered a full scholarship to play football for the Fighting Irish of Notre Dame in South Bend, Ind., and became a starting offensive guard, as well as becoming a Consensus and Academic All American. He was a starting left guard when they won the 1966 National Championship in which he was presented the game ball from Coach Ara Parseghian. Tom was a "Golden Domer" to his dying day and loved all his Teammates, Coaches, Staff and thought of them as family. He had the honor of being chosen to play in the College All Stars Game held in July 1967 at Soldier Field in Chicago, Ill., against the Green Bay Packers.

During Toms last year at Notre Dame he married his high school sweetheart and favorite cheerleader, Shirley (Fox). As a 1st round draft choice into the NFL by the Houston Oilers, Tom and Shirley moved to Houston, Texas to raise their family.

After retiring from the NFL, Tom went on to own and operate a restaurant and moved to food sales and management with Glazier and Sysco Foods respectively. In 1984 the family moved to Reno, Nev., where Tom enjoyed fishing and the mountains. Once again back to work for SE Rykoff and than with Sysco Foods in Northern Nevada and California until his health forced him to retire.

Tom is survived by his widow Shirley, their terrific children, daughter Carol (Ted) of Reno, Nev., and son Dr. Kenneth Regner of Katy, Texas. Tom was thrilled to spend time with his four grandchildren; Chelsea and Michael McBride of Reno and Rachel and Ryan Regner of Katy, Texas.

Tom spent his summers growing up at Paddock Lake, Wis. There he enjoyed the fun and mischief with his three surviving brothers, Dr. John (Betty), Robert (Pat) and Richard (Sharon) who all reside in Kenosha, Wis. The four brothers had a special bond that could never be broken. Tom is also survived by Aunt Cecelia Regner, terrific family members, nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Dr. Leon and Helen Regner, and his in-laws, Francis and Velma Fox.

The family would like to give a special thank you to the terrific doctors, nurses and staff that helped Tom along his journey. Tom received the Last Rites and requested that he be cremated. A private service will be held at a later date. In lieu of the family would like any donations be made to the charity of your choice in his honor.

Tom not only will be truly missed by his family but also the great friends he made along the way!