William Regan, 91, Owatonna

William E. Regan, 91, known affectionately as Bill, passed away peacefully at home on Jan. 9, 2024, surrounded by his family.

Born on Dec. 21, 1932, in Rochester, he was the youngest of seven children. His father Will, passed away before he was born, and Bill and his six siblings were raised by their mother Agnes, with help from their extended family. Agnes taught Bill the value of hard work, resourcefulness, and instilled in him a deep faith in God.

Bill graduated from Le Roy High School in 1950 and graduated with a business degree from the University of St. Thomas in Saint Paul, where he joined the U.S. Air Force Reserve Officers’ Training Corps. He proudly served in the U.S. Air Force and earned his pilot wings in 1954. From 1954 to 1958 he was stationed at the Mather Air Force Base in Sacramento, Calif. and completed a tour of flying T-29s.

He married his high school sweetheart, Sally I. Miller, 67 years ago, in 1956. In 1968, the family moved back to Le Roy to raise their family and run Regan Motor Sales. Then in 1968, the family moved to Owatonna where Bill founded the Owatonna Bus Company, which his family still owns and operates today.

A dedicated family man, devout Catholic, and entrepreneur, Bill spent much of his time in contemplative prayer, visiting with his loving family, and running his bus company. He was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church. He attended daily mass and adoration and was a purveyor of anonymous donations and generous favors. He made 50 consecutive years of silent retreats at the Demontreville Jesuit Retreat House. His legacy will live on through his family and his impact on his community.

Together with his first wife, Sally, they raised eight children: Ann (Sean) Casey, John (Sandy) Regan, Joe (Ann) Regan, Katy (JP) Kreutter, Marie (Gordon) Hammond, Peggy (Jon) Hanson, Beth (Bill) Berry, and Molly (Adam Zukic). Bill was a devoted husband and father, and his family was the cornerstone of his life.

He is preceded in death by his parents and his six siblings, Maxine, Lorraine, Marie Therese, Mary, Don, and Bob.

He leaves behind a legacy of love and cherished memories with his children, his 22 grandchildren, and 17 great-grandchildren.

Bill Regan will always be remembered as a loving father, grandfather, businessman, and friend. His stories, wisdom, and warmth will be deeply missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.

Visitation will be held at Brick-Meger Funeral Home in Owatonna on Sunday, Jan. 14, from 4 to 6 p.m. and one hour before Mass at St. Joe’s. The Mass of Christian Burial will be held Monday, Jan. 15 at 11 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Owatonna with Father James Starasinich officiating. Interment will take place at Sacred Heart Cemetery in Owatonna.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be given to St. Mary’s School or St. Joseph Catholic Church.