Regina O. Riedel, age 97, died on May 5, 2023, at the Trego County Lemke Memorial Long Term Care, WaKeeney.  She was born on July 24, 1925, near New Almelo, Kansas, the daughter of Gerhardt and Mary Ann (Dittlinger) Bruggeman.

Regina grew up on the farm with her twelve siblings and attended New Almelo School through eighth grade. She was a caregiver for much of her life, helping families care for newborns, and caring for her sister, Antoinette.  Regina also worked at the New Almelo Post Office and New Almelo Grocery store before moving to Colorado for a short time to be a housekeeper for her brother who was a priest.

Regina married Wendeline Riedel on October 11, 1955 in New Almelo.  Together they raised their two children.  Wendeline preceded Regina in death on May 16, 1999.

Regina was a homemaker and dedicated farm wife.  She always had a big garden which produced enough fruit and vegetables to feed her family for a year and generously share with the neighbors.  Her pies, cakes, cookies, bread and noodles were family favorites and shared with many.  In addition, Regina was a seamstress who could sew anything from "nothing", often making her own patterns and using remnants. She found joy in making quilts, crocheting, embroidering, and making lap robes for the hospital patients and long term care residents.  She also enjoyed growing flowers, often making spring bouquets from her many irises, peonies, lilac and snowball bushes.

She was a loving caregiver for her husband, Wendeline, who suffered from debilitating rheumatoid arthritis for numerous years.  After his death, she became even more involved in caring for animals including raising multiple bucket calves, and enjoying the many farm cats and dogs that graced the family farm.

Regina was a long-time member of the St Anthony Catholic Church and an active member of the Christian Mothers in St. Peter.  She later became a member of Christ The King Catholic Church in WaKeeney.

Regina is survived by her children, Irene Hermreck of Wichita and Gerald Riedel and his wife, Debbie, of WaKeeney; four grandchildren, Brad Hermreck, Bethany Auer (David), Taylor Riedel (Lexi Truan), and Colton Riedel; two great grandchildren, Amelia Auer and Brecklyn Riedel.  She was preceded in death by her parents, husband and twelve siblings, Sophia Otter, Helena Otter, Frances (Sister Liguori) Bruggeman, Agnes Otter, Louise Nible, Elizabeth Brinker, Mary Margaret Linden, Antoinette Bruggeman, Leo, Ambrose, Fr. Gerald, and Alfred Bruggeman.

Mass of Christian burial will be held at Christ The King Catholic Church in WaKeeney on Thursday, May 11, 2023, 10:30 a.m. Burial will follow in the St. Anthony Cemetery, St. Peter, Kansas.  Visitation will be held at Schmitt Funeral Home, WaKeeney on Wednesday, May 10, 2023 from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. followed by the Parish Vigil.

Memorial Contributions may be given for masses or to the Trego County Lemke Memorial Long Term Care.