Roger R. Regeth

Roger R. Regeth, age 82 of Kaukauna, passed away on Monday, April 11, 2022. He was born on May 2, 1939 in Mondovi Wisconsin, to the late Rueben and Ardell (Berg) Regeth.

He had a career with Les Stumpf Ford for many years before opening his own dealership, Village Auto Sales. Roger was an accomplished stock car racer dating back to the 1960s, winning multiple track titles and big dollar races across the Midwest throughout several decades. His aggressive racing style earned him the nickname “The Bear” and Roger relished the “villain” role he played on the local racing circuit. Roger was a racetrack promoter's dream as his hard-charging, no-holds-barred style of driving packed the grandstands.

Roger’s most successful years came in the mid-1970s when he teamed up with Mike Randerson and Geno Weber in the popular pink and blue “Les Stumpf Ford” Chevy. Regeth found much success on the local dirt tracks at Shawano, Oshkosh and De Pere as well as on the pavement at WIR in Kaukauna. After a brief retirement from the cockpit Roger returned to racing in the early ‘90s where he won an incredible 17 of 20 feature races one season at Chilton.

Roger’s accomplishments earned him an induction into both the Southeastern Wisconsin Hall of Fame and the WIR Circle of Fame. Roger even had a book written on his colorful, storied racing career in the 2018 release titled “The Bird & The Bear.”

He is survived by his children; Roger, Bob, Ron (Kathy) and Rick (Nicki) Regeth, stepchildren; Lisa (Leroy) Heindl, Matt (Gayle) Maynard, Mark (Katie) Maynard, Bob and Keith Ristow. Grandchildren; Samantha, Ryan, Megan, Tyler, Cody, Dawson, Mundy, Ann (Jake), Amy, Luke (Jenny), Dylan, Emily and Brooke and great grandchildren; Wyatt, Henry, Jaxon, Nora, Vincent, Madeline and Braelynn. He is further survived by his brother, Rodney (Carol) Regeth, sister, Jane Anderson and his best furry friend, Maggie, as well as many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends, especially his good friends, Gene Weber, Mike Randerson and Joe Verdegan.

Preceding him in death are his parents, his wife, Judy and brother in law, Wendell Anderson.

Family and friends may gather on Sunday, April 24, 2022 beginning at 10:00am until 12 noon at Valley Funeral Home, 2211 N. Richmond St. Appleton, WI with a memorial service at noon, Pastor Mike Huff officiating.

The family wishes to extend a special thank you to Lisa Heindl for caring for Roger in his time of need and ThedaCare Home Hospice for the wonderful care given to Roger. Also a special thanks to Trisha and Logan Rawlings for being such great support.

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