Donald Regli

Don Regli - with your grizzly bear hugs, thick hands, and even larger heart, you will be so missed.  You were strong yet gentle, so big and so big-hearted.  You were our gentle giant with a kindhearted laugh and loving smile; everyone you knew became a friend. 

You were born in God's country in 1930, raised on a ranch in Lewistown, Montana, and the cowboy in you never left.  Your love for our country and your servant heart eventually called you to join the Air Force.  We were always so proud of that part of you. 

In 1956, a blind date and fate would lead you to meet your sweet wife, Reba, the love of your life.  You loved her fiercely and it was so evident to all of us around you.  You never left each other's side and together, you raised four children: Kim, Walt, Coleen, and Mike. 

You were the All-American-Man, a veteran, a cowboy, a lover of baseball and apple pie.  You loved to cook and garden, and anyone within proximity was always receiving baked goods or garden fresh vegetables.  Many received your delicious dill pickles, made from a "secret" recipe, yet the recipe was freely given to anyone who asked.  You molded wood into furniture for your friends and family, plus a fishing pole was one of your favorite accessories.  The cribbage games! Oh, how you loved to play and how rarely you lost.  

Grandpa, you loved your grandchildren.  You never seemed to tire of the endless soccer games, piano recitals, basketball tournaments, or graduations. You always gave to the people you loved and your presence was forever the foundation of our family.  This will endure.

You and Grandma had many wonderful adventures with your trailer and especially your trip to Switzerland!  How exciting it was to find your family roots in another land and appreciate your grandparents.  We were in awe to consider the journey they made to Montana. 

For those of us with heavy hearts, you so lovingly and delicately lightened that load. You forever made things so much easier for all of us, and we are going to miss you.

To Reba's husband, our dad, our brother, our grandpa, our neighbor, our dear, dear friend:  We love you and miss you.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, November 16 from 1:00 to 2:00 P.M. at Dokken-Nelson Funeral Service, with Funeral Services to begin at 2:00 P.M.  Interment will take place Friday, November 17^th, 2017 at 1:00 p.m. at Beaver Creek Cemetery near Lewistown. Condolences for the family may be posted online at www.cloydfuneralhome.com.