Wayne Regnier

Wayne Lee Regnier, 71, of Topeka, passed away Monday, August 12, 2024.

He was born June 14, 1953, in Lawrence, Kansas, the son of Reginald and Bertha (Reamer) Regnier.

He graduated from Seaman High School in 1971. He continued his education at the University of Kansas and graduated in 1976. He graduated from Washburn University in 1993 with his Bachelors in Business Administration.

Through mutual friends, he met a single mom with 2 obnoxious kids, Patricia “Patty” Hooper in September 1982. Just 6 months later, he married her anyway, on Feb. 16th, 1983 at Kansas Avenue United Methodist church in Topeka. (And we are so grateful he did!)

Wayne loved his family. His wife, children and granddaughter Peyton held a special place in his heart. He was an especially amazing Papa, always going along with whatever Peyton wanted to do and sneaking her fudgesicles when no one else was looking.

Wayne worked for Meadow Gold Dairy for many years and then became an accountant for the State of Kansas in the Lottery Department. He retired in 2014.

He was a faithful member of Fairlawn Church of the Nazarene. He served in the role of church treasurer for many years.

Wayne was an avid KU Jayhawk fan. He faithfully watched KU football, even when they were terrible, and rarely missed KU basketball. He was also a fan of the KC Chiefs and Royals.

Earlier in his life, Wayne loved to go out for rides on his motorcycle. He played fastpitch softball for Kansas Avenue United Methodist and was a great catcher, as well as playing on the co-rec slow pitch team with his children. He also had a unique eye. He liked taking pictures and was a very good photographer. After retirement, Wayne picked up golfing and appreciated going out on the greens with his friends. He loved the many household pets and suffered through allergies so his children could enjoy their company. Wayne had a great sense of humor and seeing him belly laugh at the silly things done by his children or grandchildren would make everyone else giggle. He was incredibly kind and had a quiet strength that you knew you could count on. He also had a razor-sharp sense of humor that you didn’t want to miss.

Traveling and camping with his family was something he cherished. There are many photos of Wayne driving the family van on camping trips and playing with his kids in the mountains. He had a love for music, especially The Grateful Dead. Some would say that Wayne was a connoisseur of records, amassing close to 400 (or at least that’s what he told the nurse). He coached the little league teams, he sat through track meets, went to the 4H events, endured hours of endless choir and band concerts… all to support his family.

His survivors include his wife Patty, his son, Jeff (Denise) Calvert; daughters, Jennifer Sannan, and Sarah Regnier and his granddaughter, Peyton Sannan and fiancé Garrett England; aunts, Beverly Watson, Arlis Stevenson, and Betty Carroll.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

A Funeral Ceremony will be at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, August 16, 2024 at the Fairlawn Church of the Nazarene, 730 S.W. Fairlawn, Topeka. The family will greet friends an hour prior to the service. Burial will follow the service at Memorial Park Cemetery in Topeka.

Memorial contributions may be made to Fairlawn Church of the Nazarene, 730 S.W. Fairlawn, Topeka or to the Topeka Rescue Mission, Inc. PO Box 8350, Topeka, KS 66608.

To leave a message with his family online, please visit the guestbook below.