By Mary Grieco
Catholic Herald correspondent
Tomahawk parish honors health care workers
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TOMAHAWK -- What better time could there be to thank, honor and bless health care workers than the feast of the evangelist St. Luke, who was also a physician? St. Mary Parish invited everyone involved in ministering to the sick to a special Mass on Oct. 17, the eve of the feast day.
Presiding was Fr. John Anderson, pastor; concelebrating was Fr. Edward Powell, a retired priest who continues to minister in the Tomahawk area.
Anderson expressed gratitude for the quality medical care in the community and to the Sisters of the Sorrowful Mother for having brought health care to the community. "How far we have come with so many things in health care," he said. "But technology wouldn't make a bit of difference if it weren't for the people using it. What you do brings such tremendous peace and comfort to the rest of us. How blessed we are in this community to have all of you."
While all health care workers were honored, it was Sr. Theresa Regler, SSM, who was the guest of honor at the banquet following Mass. A registered nurse, she has served the Tomahawk community for 46 years, having worked in all departments of the local Sacred Heart Hospital, part of Ministry Health Care which cosponsored the celebration, along with the hospital foundation.
From helping to bring babies into the world, to holding hands and offering comfort at the time of death, Regler has touched hundreds of lives. "Everybody knows and loves her," was a frequently heard comment from the 125 friends attending the banquet.
Among the speakers was Monica Hilt, hospital president, who conveyed the thanks of Ministry Health Care for Regler's dedication. Shortly after Hilt took the podium, Regler commented aloud, "I delivered you!" With a broad smile, Hilt acknowledged that she has been privileged to know Regler literally all of her life.
A mayoral proclamation from Robert Lee was also on the agenda. The Tomahawk Mayor proclaimed a day throughout the city in Regler's honor. The proclamation listed her many contributions to the community and also mentioned her "smile and bright wit."
Like nearly everyone in attendance, the mayor got a big hug from Regler. Another recipient, Binder Kind, said, "She's the best hugger in town. We call her 'The Tomahawk Hugger.'"
All ages seem to be her "favorites," and children have a particular affinity for the nun who has become a town legend in her own time.
"Kids in town think she's great," said Elizabeth Urmann, who met Regler in the delivery room when her son was born shortly after her family moved to town. Urmann's husband, Kevin, also knows and admires Regler. He is the Red Cross blood coordinator, and over the years Regler has donated nearly 13 gallons. Although open heart surgery seven years ago now prevents her from giving blood, he noted that she still comes to the blood drives to support and encourage the donors.
Regler is also well known for her "Canvent" project. For many years she has been collecting aluminum cans, and the proceeds have helped perhaps hundreds of needy individuals and families in the area. She is also involved in other community efforts and serves on several health-care related boards.
Among the people involved in planning the celebration for Regler and her fellow health care workers was Jan Huseby, director of music and liturgy at St. Mary Parish. "We really try to identify with saints in our parish," she said as she mentioned several other feasts celebrated in unique ways. Saints become real when we celebrate the gifts in each other which personify the saints." St. Luke is the patron of health care providers.
"We had been planning this celebration for a long time, then we began to realize that Sister Theresa especially needed to be thanked for all she has done," Huseby said. She added that because of generous sponsors, all the dinner ticket money will be given to Regler's Canvent project.
Since Regler entered the convent at age 17 in her native Germany and made her first vows in 1951, she has served her God and people with energy, competence and compassion, mingled with a generous dose of humor. Many testimonials attest to her years of unselfish service.
Even now, "taking it easy" isn't on her agenda. She continues to work in the Sacred Heart Hospital surgery department, where she was in charge for many years, and there's no stopping her can collection and her other involvements.
At the end of the banquet program when she was asked to speak, the usually vocal Sister was emotional and nearly at a loss for words. After a pause and a deep breath she said, "I am very grateful that I have never had a problem with anyone I have worked with, and I love everybody. Thank you, God! Amen."
© Superior Catholic Herald, 2007