Friar Regis Schlagheck

Friar Regis Schlagheck, OFM Conv., found his greatest joy in pastoral service, even though he had a talent for management and was often called upon to serve in Province administration. “He had a great sense of humor and could tell a great story,” said a fellow friar. “He also had a great mind for facts and figures and was very conscientious in his service to the community.”
Fr. Regis passed away on Dec. 25, 2018, at Mount St. Francis, Ind. He was born Thomas James to Howard Charles and Marie Annette (Walter) Schlagheck on March 23, 1939, in Toledo. He was predeceased by his parents, his brothers, Gerald, Richard and Francis; and his sisters, Jeanne Horen and Rita Baur. He is survived by his brothers, Paul, William and Raymond; his sister, Genny; and 25 nieces and nephews.
After attending minor seminary at Mount St. Francis, he entered the Novitiate in 1957, professed Simple Vows on July 10, 1958, and Solemn Vows on July 11, 1961. He was ordained to the priesthood on March 5, 1966, in St. Paul, Minn. In 1970 Fr. Regis was sent to Zambia where he lived until 1984. During those years, in addition to pastoral ministry, he served three terms as Custos (leader of the Conventual Franciscan community) and worked in the formation of young men who joined the Order in Zambia.
On returning to the U.S., Fr. Regis continued to serve in administrative capacities as Province treasurer and in the formation of new friars, as well as in pastoral ministry in: Bloomington, Minn.; Lorain and Carey, Ohio; Clarksville, Ind.; and Carlsbad, N.M. Though ‘officially’ retired, Fr. Regis served another term as treasurer after returning to Mount St. Francis in 2014.
A wake service for Fr. Regis will be held on Thursday, Jan. 3, at 7 p.m. at the Chapel at Mount St. Francis, Ind. The funeral mass will be held at the Chapel on Friday, Jan. 4, at 11 a.m.with interment following in the Friars’ cemetery.
Memorial gifts may be made to the Province of Our Lady of Consolation, 103 St. Francis Boulevard, Mount St. Francis, Ind. 47146.
For more about Fr. Regis’ service to God’s people and pictures from his life, please visit the Province website: franciscansusa.org.