Gisela Erika Regenwether

Gisela Erika Renate Regenwether, of Spragueville, Iowa, passed away peacefully on Saturday, August 23, 2025. A Funeral Mass will be held in her honor at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, August 29, at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Preston, Iowa. Visitation will take place at the church on Thursday, August 28, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m., and again one hour prior to the service on Friday. Gisela was born on March 1, 1943, in Stettin, Germany (now Szczecin, Poland), to Hermann and Gertrud (Woitha) Rehm. She endured the hardships of post-war Europe with a resilient spirit and a tightly knit family, surviving bombings and hunger with strength. At the age of seven, she immigrated with her family to the United States through Ellis Island, eventually settling in Lyons, Iowa, to be near relatives. She graduated from Clinton High School with the Class of 1962. She met the love of her life, Donald Regenwether, at a local dance, and the two were married on August 29, 1964. Together, they raised three sons and shared 60 years of marriage. After marriage, Gisela embraced life on the Regenwether family farms. She worked alongside her husband, managed the household, nurtured her children, and cultivated a garden that bloomed with beauty and bounty. She found joy in the smallest wonders from a flowering cactus to sharing milkshakes with her boys after they planted potatoes in her large garden. Gisela was a member of the Master Gardeners, and the American Legion Woman's Auxiliary. She was known for her warm hospitality and culinary talent. Her homemade bread was a family favorite, and her cookie jar was never empty. She sold baked goods and homemade fruit roll-ups at local farmers markets, where she built friendships and community connections. She loved to shop for great deals. Gisela faced life's challenges with strength and resilience. During her three separate battles with cancer, she never complained, was always positive, and continued to be a pillar of support to those around her. Loyal, strong-willed, and full of life, Gisela was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. She is survived by her loving husband, Donald Regenwether of Spragueville, IA; her three sons, Robert (Kristi) Regenwether of Hudson, IA, Larry Regenwether of Slidell, LA, and Ronald Regenwether of Spragueville, IA; and six cherished grandchildren: Jessica Regenwether, Greta Regenwether, Cody Regenwether, Meghan (Lucy McNamara) McLaughlin, Annika Regenwether, and Gavin Regenwether. She is also remembered fondly by numerous nieces and nephews. Gisela was preceded in death by her parents, Hermann and Gertrud Rehm, and her beloved sister, Inge. Her spirit, courage, and unconditional love will be dearly missed and forever remembered.