Mary was 1/4 Sioux Indian and was raised on the Reservation at Standing Rock, ND.

Ben enlised in the Navy at Fargo, ND, on May 27, 1918. He served on a receiving ship in Puget Sound, Wash., until November 11, 1918. He was released from active duty there as a Seaman, 2nd Class, on December 27, 1918. Ben established Reger Electric in Fargo, ND, which was later sold to his brothers Riney and Patrick. He and Mary relocated to Mesa, Az., in about 1964.