Family Background
Parents: John and Norma Register
Siblings:
- Ruth (Follen) Register
- Kathy Shields
- Allen Register
- Susan Register
- Leann Widhalm
- Kelly Sloane
Richard’s parents, John and Norma, were high school sweethearts at Austin High, MN. John lived on the family farm near Rose Creek, MN. Norma lived in Austin. Her father was a plant worker at Hormel; John’s was a farmer. After marriage, John started to work for Hormel, which transferred him to Nebraska. The Register family moved to Fremont in 1964. John worked for Hormel for 42 years, heading the Fremont hog buying for many years.
The Register family was very active in community affairs in Fremont. John and Norma were active participants at the Presbyterian Church, Girl Scouts and the PTA. The entire family participated in some way with the Korshoj Lumberjills, the successful girls’ fast pitch team. Ruth was a star player and John the coach for the team that took the state title on several occasions and competed in the national tournament. The family summers were spent at the ball fields throughout the state. Richard and Kelly served as the batboys for the games.
As result of their long commitment to the game, both John and Ruth have been inducted into the Nebraska Softball Hall of Fame.
John and Norma returned to Austin, MN, after a final transfer by Hormel in 1983. They retired in Austin and helped care for their parents in their later years. Both continue to be very active in their community and have been awarded recognition from the Kiwanis (Austin Noon Kiwanis Club), VFW Auxiliary, Eagles Auxiliary, and Cub Scouts for their tireless work. Their marriage continues to endure for more than 58 years.
