John LeRoy Register, 86, passed away on Jan. 14, 2018, at Nye Legacy in Fremont, Nebraska, where he lived for four months.

John was born in Lakebelt Township, Martin County, Minnesota, in his grandparent’s home on Aug. 30, 1931, to John LeRoy and Amy (Kateley) Register. John was the eldest of three sons. His family moved to Moscow, Minnesota, when he was young. He spent his youth trapping, fishing, hunting, and playing baseball. John moved to Rose Creek, Minnesota, when he entered Austin High School. He was president of the FFA, received his state farmers degree and also showed the Minnesota State Fair Grand Champion Chester White hog. He was on the wrestling team where he, as he said, spent most of his time on his back.

John and Norma (Rose) met in their 11th grade English class and married after graduation. They celebrated 68 years together on Nov. 12, 2017.

John worked at Hormel Foods for 42 years. He began as a clerk and quickly moved to the hog buying crew. He was transferred to Omaha, Nebraska, and then Fremont, where he was the head buyer. He was an avid Husker fan.

While in Fremont, John began to coach girls’ softball. The Korshoj Lumberjills played 14 years together, winning many tournaments at local, state and regional levels. Many of these players still call John their “Summer Dad.” He was inducted into the Nebraska Softball Hall of Fame.

In 1983, John and Norma were transferred back to Austin, Minnesota. John was instrumental in the Kiwanis and FFA Alumni and helped for many years in the FFA carpentry class and Children’s Barnyard. Most of all, he spent countless hours in his woodshop, yard and garden. John and Norma returned to Fremont in 2015 to be near family.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and daughter, Kathy Shields.

John is survived by his wife, Norma; children, Ruth, Cedar Bluff, Nebraska, Allen (Neil Gelineau), San Francisco, California, Susan, Hastings, Minnesota, Leann (Norbert) Widhalm, Norfolk, Richard (Janet Stewart) Fremont, and Kelly Jo (Fred) Gepford, Omaha; two brothers, Ralph of Red Wing, Minnesota, and Arnold of Anderson, South Carolina; six grandchildren; and great-grandchildren.

The funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, Jan. 18, 2018, at Fremont Presbyterian Church with Pastor Jon Ashley officiating. Visitation will be held from 5-8 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 17, 2018, at Dugan Funeral Chapel with family present from 5-6 p.m. Public interment will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 19, 2018, in Oakwood Cemetery in Austin. Celebration of life will follow with refreshments at 2 p.m. at the Westminster Presbyterian Church for family and friends. Memorials may be directed to the Fremont Presbyterian Church, Westminster Presbyterian Church of Austin or the Community Health Charities of Nebraska. Condolences may be left at www.duganchapel.com.