Widmer, Rex Edward 1937-2010

WIDMER, EDWARDS, LOVELAND, DEKRUYFF, JOHNSTON, MATHES

Posted By: Marilyn Holmes (email)
Date: 4/10/2012 at 10:01:15

The Poweshiek County CR; Nov. 10, 2010

REX WIDMER, 72

Rex Widmer, 72, of Montezuma, passed away Monday, Nov. 1, 2010, at the Grinnell Regional Medical Center. Funeral services were held at 11 a.m., Friday, Nov. 5, at the Montezuma First Presbyterian Church. Interment with military honors was held in the Golden Rod Cemetery in Deep River. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Montezuma Fire Department, the Deep River Fire Department, Morrison-Schrader American Legion Post No. 296, or the Grinnell Regional Hospice. Friends may send condolences or sign the online guestbook at www.hollandcoblefuneralhome.com. Holland-Coble Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Rex Edward Widmer, son of William and Edith (Edwards) Widmer, was born on Nov. 14, 1937, in Wayland. He was a 1956 graduate of Winfield High School. Rex enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1959. On June 18, 1964, Rex was united in marriage to LaRena Loveland in Homestead, Fla. To this union four children were born, Laura, Brenda, Steve and Chris. After he was honorably discharged in 1966, Rex moved to Deep River and opened the Widmer DX Station. Rex expanded his business to Widmer Oil, Widmer Feed Store, and Widmer Repair Service in Montezuma. Rex drove the U.S. Mail truck for 12 years. Rex enjoyed working, watching sports on television, music, supporting his grandchildren in their activities, and spending time with his family. He was an avid fan of the Iowa Hawkeyes, Chicago Cubs and Chicago Bears. Rex served as the mayor of Deep River and as the Deep River Fire Chief. He was a member of the United Church of Deep River; the Morrison-Schrader American Legion Post No. 296, where he served as a past commander; the Montezuma VFW; and the Deep River Volunteer Fire Department.

His memory was honored by his wife of 46 years, LaRena Widmer of Montezuma; his four children, Laura (Daryl) DeKruyff of Otley, Brenda (Mike) Johnston of Montezuma, Steve Widmer of Montezuma, and Chris (Julie) Widmer of Montezuma; seven grandchildren, Miranda DeKruyff, Connor Johnston, Katelyn DeKruyff, Colleen Johnston, Cole Widmer, Jordan Widmer, and Madison Widmer; two step-grandchildren, John Mathes and Jamie Mathes; a brother, Robert (Judie) Widmer of Malcom; and several nieces and nephews.

Rex was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Richard "Slim" Widmer in 1977; and a nephew, Mark Widmer in 1971.