Joseph Reger

05/30/1948 - 12/04/2023

Passed away peacefully on December 4, 2023, in Ann Arbor, Michigan, after a courageous battle with cancer. Joe entered this world on May 30, 1948, in Toledo, Ohio, to the late Joseph Paul and Eva (Frick) Reger. A proud alumnus of St. Francis de Sales High School, Joe then joined the United States Marine Corps in 1968, demonstrating the courage and selflessness that would become his hallmark. He served with distinction in Vietnam until receiving an honorable discharge in 1972, a period during which he exemplified unwavering bravery and an unshakeable commitment to his fellow Marines.

Upon returning to civilian life, Joe completed his degree at the University of Toledo. At the same time, he brought his gentle spirit to the family business, Reger's Church Supplies in Toledo. There, he became a familiar figure, known for his quiet wit and his subtle wisdom. Throughout his life, Joe's love for animals was a big part of him as he cared for numerous pets, each of whom received the full measure of his kindness.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents and his brothers, James "Jim" and Richard "Rick" Reger.

He leaves behind a loving family who will continue to honor his memory: his siblings, Constance Reger, John Reger, Jeanne (Tolbert) Carter, and Edward Reger; as well as a cherished circle of 10 nieces and nephews and 25 great-nieces and nephews.

There will be no services held. Memorials may be made to the Prostate Cancer Foundation in memory of Joe.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Blade from Dec. 7 to Dec. 8, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
for Joseph Reger

Sponsored by Palmer Bush & Jensen Family Funeral Homes - Delta Chapel Delta Chapel.

7 Entries

Barb Layman

December 13, 2023

I´m deeply saddened by the loss of Joe. I worked with him at Reger´s for 26 years! He was everything you mentioned, and then some ! Such a gentle person with a kind and caring spirit - he would do anything for anyone at any time. He will be dearly missed and truly remembered for his compassion, great customer service and dedication to Reger´s throughout his lifetime. He was a great friend and treated others wonderfully. All My Love, Barb Layman

Jeanne Reger Carter

December 11, 2023

Many thanks for sharing all the wonderful memories. They make me smile.

Mary Beth Perkins Perkins Perkins

December 10, 2023

To the Reger family, I and very sad to hear of Joe's passing. I worked at Roger's back in the 90s and enjoyed working with Joe. Prayers of peace and comfort to your family.

Chris Ottney

December 8, 2023

Jeanne and family,
Please accept my most sincere condolences for your loss. May God grant you peace and strength during this most difficult time. I have many fond memories of our years at Gesu school together and to this day still have several of our class photos from the 50's. I also recall my parents driving me downtown to your store on Madison Ave to purchase my first Mariam Missal.
Chris Ottney
Austin Texas

Patrick Radecki

December 7, 2023

Many Fond Remembrances

Joe seemed almost another brother to me, but better, since we never had a sibling fight! He and I walked to and from St. Francis high school for 4 years. This was across the wide open and often wind chilled muddy Catholic Youth football fields each winter. We of course always talked about the great composers, artists, or explorers of yesteryear, as we trudged along.
He and I shared the same classroom section for the entire 4 years. The alphabet, (Radecki, Reger, Reinick) left us close even in the classroom. He was a gifted student.
Joe was a very determined wrestler, exceptionally strong and quick. We were essentially partners at wrestling practice, where we did all kinds of exercises and stretches to get stronger, including pushups on our heads, with our partner holding our ankles. He was a more accomplished athlete than I, but he was always helping me keep up with a team than won one or two state championships.
Joe was quite the poker player. Sometimes he lost over a dollar in a night cards. It doesn't sound like much, but those dimes and quarters were silver! Many of the neighbors and some of his siblings joined the card playing which was frequent and helped along with popcorn and such.
Joe was a gambler! We golfed a lot, and practiced together many summer evenings on the Ottawa Hills putting green. It was always fun. The gambling? One day on a par three, It was my turn to hit the ball off the tee. I asked Joe, in front of many witnesses and Jim King a classmate, what would he give me if I hit a hole in one. He said: "a million dollars." That was 1963, so a million dollars in silver! Yep, I hit that ball right in the hole, one bounce, so that was my first million dollars that I ever earned! Collecting the million, proved harder of course. Joe was penniless.
All good stories, none bad. A great legacy.
Joe's whole family is great and there were many good times. Joe and I even painted houses one summer that his brother bought to fix up and rent. Maybe brother John.

Thanks to Joe for sharing some of his time with me, May Peace and Love be with him in Everlasting, and Best Wishes to the Reger Family.

Phyllis Maunz

December 7, 2023

to all the Reger family I met at Gesu, but especially to my friend and classmate Connie: my deepest sympathy and condolences...Joe will be remembered in prayer as will all of you

Chris Brennan SFS '66

December 7, 2023

Many fond memories of Joe at St. Francis High School. I always looked him up, when I was at the family store. He repaired my Irish/shamrock rosary several years ago, which now will have added significance for me. Rest in Peace Joe. You will be missed. Oorah!!

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