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John Regelbrugge Obituary
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
Memories and Condolences
for John Regelbrugge
27 Entries
SAM TOTTEN
April 4, 2025
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.
Neal Addis
October 23, 2021
I lost my brother and sister and closest friends I ever had. I will always hurt
John Gurba
June 13, 2018
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.
U. S.S. Willamette AO-180 (1987-1989)
kim Carey
May 9, 2015
U are my hero. . Never met u.. ur my hero. . Ur wife is my biggest hero of all.. Waited for her. . Rip
Tanner Springer
April 9, 2014
John you will always be remembered for everything that you taught your sailors you are a great man and a great mentor.
Sue Bridgewater
April 8, 2014
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.
Shawna Peterson
April 5, 2014
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
Cindi Tamargo
April 4, 2014
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
Faith Strausbaugh,LCDR,USN. (Ret)
April 2, 2014
My deepest sympathy for John and Kris' family. I was stationed with john in San Diego. He loved his family dearly and was a great naval officer, shipmate and wonderful friend. His memory will live on in the hearts of all of us who we're lucky enough to have known him. He will be missed and the United States Navy has lost one of the BEST!
March 29, 2014
Bouleversés par cet événement tragique, nous prenons part à votre douleur et vous adressons nos plus sincères condoléances.
March 29, 2014
March 29, 2014
Please know that our Heavenly Father will help family and friends deal with this terrible tragedy. God invites you: (Jeremiah 29:12) . . .And YOU will certainly call me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to YOU."
John and I onboard USS Ogden during port visit Peral Harbor,HI
Kris LaFerriere ENC (SW) Ret
March 29, 2014
My condolences to the family. John imprinted so many great memories with the people that knew him best. I am honored that I had the opportunity to serve with him and become his friend for over 20 years. His passion for everything he did in life was truly amazing! Thanks for the ride "Boats". You and Kris will forever be in our hearts and prayers.
March 29, 2014
MAY THE GOD OF PEACE AND COMFORT RESCUE THE FAMILY OF JOHN.LOOK TO HIM AND HE WILL MAKE YOUR PATHS STRAIGHT...PROVB.3:6...
Shirley (Holland) Worthen
March 29, 2014
My condolences to the family. I went to school with John (I was in class of '81) and will always remember that fun-loving kid with the big smile on his face who brought happiness to all who knew him.
March 28, 2014
May your family find comfort in drawing close to God at this most difficult time in your lives.
James 4:8
Mrs. Robertson
March 28, 2014
My condolences to the family. May the God of all Comfort guard your hearts and ease the pain so that you can get through this difficult time.
Shaune Putas
March 28, 2014
Shaune G. Putas OS1 USN (ret) USS Kiska AE-35 On behalve of USS Kiska AE-35 shipmates John will be missed and we pray for your family and friends... Hand Salute!
William Martin, CS1, USN Ret.
March 28, 2014
I served with Commander Regelbrugge on the USS Abraham Lincoln. I did not work in his department, but he and I shared many coversations of the great outdoors and Harley Davidson Motorcycles. His great pride and passion for his family at home and his Navy family was apparent to all who had the pleasure to meet him. My heart goes out to the Regelbrugge Family, loved ones and all who have suffered incredible loss from this tragedy. Fair Winds and Following Seas Commander.
Carolyn Lovejoy-harris
March 27, 2014
May our Father in heaven give the family strength during this trying time . Remember that "God is greater than our hearts. (1John 3:20) NWT 2013
Marilynn
March 27, 2014
With deepest sympathy to the family of Mr. John Regelbrugge. May you stop to remember the hearts that were warmed, the smiles shared, and the lives that were touched.-Romans 15:4.
Commander Regelbrugee & lieutenant Glasser USS John C Stennis.
Mark & Brunella Glasser
March 27, 2014
Please accept our deepest condolences.. May God be with the family and friends at this time of deep sorrow. God bless!
March 26, 2014
SO SORRY R.I.P
DStallings
March 26, 2014
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Scott Chamberland
March 26, 2014
Please accept my Deepest Sympathies
March 26, 2014
My sympathy goes out to the family of Mr. and Mrs. Regelbrugge III. May you find comfort in the God of comfort.
Showing 1 - 27 of 27 results
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