OBITUARY: Rex James Willis, 1910-2004, Mitchell Co., Iowa
 
[Adapted from: Mitchell County-Press-News online - Posted April 14, 2004] 




                            Rex J. Willis

A funeral mass for Rex J. Willis, will be held Saturday, April 17, 2004
at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Riceville.  The Reverend
Ray E. Atwood will officiate. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery,
Riceville. Rex passed away at the Riceville Community Rest Home on
Saturday, April 10, 2004.

Rex James Willis was born in Riceville, Iowa, June 23, 1910 to Earl
James and Mabel Martin Willis.

Following his graduation in 1928 from Riceville High School, Rex worked
in a variety of roles including working as Riceville's assistant
postmaster. He attended Gates Business College in Waterloo for two
years. In 1942 he began working at Riceville's First National Bank,
but later that same year joined the U.S. Army, serving as a sergeant
in the New Guinea and Philippine campaigns. At the end of his World
War II service he returned to the First National Bank as bookkeeper
and janitor. During these years he completed his diploma at the School
of Banking at the University of Wisconsin. He worked his way through
the ranks at First National Bank ultimately serving as president and
chairman of the board before retiring in 1997. He led the bank through
years of growth and change and left it a strong institution.

Rex was a lifelong member of Immaculate Conception Church and was
involved in its building committee when the new church was built.
He also served as director and treasurer for the Calvary Cemetery
for over 50 years, and was a 50-year member of the Knights of Columbus.

Rex was active in the development of Lake Hendricks, which he saw
as an enduring tribute to his close friend Buck Hendricks. He was
also active in the design and building of the Riceville Rest Home,
serving as director and treasurer for over 25 years. He also served
as a board member for the Riceville hospital and Riceville Development
Corporation and was a 50-year member of the Riceville Community Club.

Other services included serving as a member and finance officer of
American Legion Post #244, treasurer of Avenue of Flags for Jenkins
Township Cemetery, Riceville and treasurer of the Wapsi-Great Western
Line Trail.

Rex served his community as a philanthropist giving to worthy local
and regional religious, educational and community service causes
over the years. He looked beyond Riceville and endowed scholarships
at Loras College and Mt. Mercy College designed to help local students
interested in pursuing their educations. Thus at Mt. Mercy, the Sister
Elizabeth Martin and Earl and Mabel Willis Scholarships honor others
thanks to him.

Rex is survived by one sister Florence (Willis) Waltman of Canon City,
Colorado, four nephews William George (Elsa) Waltman of San Antonio,
Texas, James Vincent (Phyllis) Waltman of Canon City, John Lawrence
(Jean) Waltman of Tecumseh, Michigan, and Robert Frederick (Lynn)
Waltman of Greeley, Colorado, a number of Martin cousins in the
Riceville area and innumerable friends.

Lindstrom Funeral Home, Riceville had charge of arrangements.



     Copyright 2004, K. L. Kittleson