John P. Regester

John Patrick Regester, 68, peacefully passed away August 31, 2018 in Lake Geneva, WI. John was born October 28, 1949 to Robert and Mary (Anderson) Regester in Oak Park, Illinois. He graduated from Delavan-Darien High School. He married his longtime sweetheart, Linda Bokina, on October 16, 1971 in Chicago, Illinois. He was blessed with five daughters, Rhonda (Bob Winters), Rebecca (Luke Kuchenberg), Christine (Adam Wen), Jacquelyn (Sean Brauser), and Jessica and eight grandchildren (Dillon, Matthew, Jackson, Lauren, Porter, Sophia, Grant and Josie). He has five siblings: Roberta (North Port, FL), Robert (Lakeland, FL), Edward (Brookfield, IL), William (deceased) and Joseph (Delavan, WI). He was a beloved son, brother, uncle, brother-in-law, dad, and friend to all. John enlisted in the United States Navy in 1967. He proudly served during the Vietnam War. He was stationed at Barber's Point, Hawaii and Adak, Alaska while serving in Naval Aviation earning his 2,000-hour flight pin. As a crewmember of Patrol Squadron 4, he flew in P-3's patrolling over the Pacific. One of his greatest naval memories was when his unit was assigned to protect airspace during the descent of the Apollo 13 mission. He was a member of the Frank Kresen American Legion Post 24 in Lake Geneva. John worked for Sheridan Springs Coca-Cola Bottling Company for 19 years. John and Linda later owned and operated The Original Chicago Pizza Company in downtown Lake Geneva for 22 years. He nurtured good work ethic and mentored young locals throughout the years. He made many relationships throughout Walworth County that are still evident today. Self-titling himself "King of the Walleye", John never turned down the opportunity to throw a cast or sit in the woods. He was an avid outdoorsman and loved a good practical joke. He always knew how to tell a good story, loved a good game of poker, and never failed to make us laugh! Visitation will be held at Steinke-Lazarczyk Funeral Home Funeral Home (515 Center Street, Lake Geneva) on Thursday, September 6, from 2pm-8pm and at St. Francis de Sales Church (148 Main St, Lake Geneva) on Friday, September 7, from 10am-11:45a.m. with Mass of Christian Burial at 12 p.m. Burial will be on Monday, September 10, at noon at the Southern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery with military honors. Anchors aweigh...deal me in...gone fishing! Memorials may be made to VetsRoll or Wisconsin Honor Flight. Steinke-Lazarczyk Funeral Home, proudly assisting the family. First Visitation Thursday, September 6th, 2018 2:00pm - 8:00pmSecond Visitation Friday, September 7th, 2018 10:00am - 11:45am, St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church 148 W. Main Street Lake Geneva, WI 53147 Service Information Friday, September 7th, 2018 12:00pm, St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church 148 W. Main Street Lake Geneva, WI 53147