Ernst Leroy Rex

1951 - 2022

ERNST LEROY REX
Born: March 21, 1951
Died: December 4, 2022
Ernst Leroy Rex passed away December 4th, 2022 at the age of 71 in the comfort of his home in DeKalb.
Ernie was born on March 21, 1951 in East Chicago, IN to Edward and Ingeborg Rex.
He grew up in Hammond, IN until he began attending high school at Concordia Milwaukee WI High School his sophomore year as part of God's calling him into ministry at a young age.
After graduating and earning his Associates from Concordia Milwaukee, he earned his BA in Classical Studies from Indiana University. He would then attend Seminex in St. Louis, MO where he earned his MDiv and met his future wife, Doris Steinbach. They were married June 7, 1975, welcomed Nick on December 16, 1981; Andrew on July 20, 1984; and Inge on May 13, 1987.
He began his ministry as an intern at Zion Lutheran Church in Belvidere, IL. He was ordained on November 18, 1979 at Epiphany Lutheran Church in Elmhurst where he served until 1982. The family then moved to Jacksonville, IL where he served Faith Lutheran Church until 1987. The family then moved to Lily Lake where he served Grace Lutheran Church of Lily Lake for 27 years up to his retirement.
Ernie enjoyed his family, most specifically the sports and activities that his children and grandchildren participated in. He made almost every game, performance, and event. He was the carpool dad for countless of his children's friends whose parents couldn't pick them up in time. He especially loved babysitting grandkids and taking or picking them up from preschool/school. He created many new family traditions that have continued, like the Indy 500 and the never-ending dad jokes.
He was a fiercely independent, compassionate, empathetic, reserved, loyal man who respected his Lord and Savior, and fought for his family and justice. He made time for everyone, as best he could, and was extremely selfless. He appreciated the humor and value of a good joke. He would endure struggle and strife if he thought it would bring freedom or peace to another. He served and shepherded the sheep of his congregation well. He was a devout Indiana University fan and a golf enthusiast. He liked to play racquetball, watch sports, and read no less than 2 books at a time. He loved studying family dynamics and started our family on a quest back to early Germany (through many spreadsheets) to find out about our family origins. He loved to tell stories. He was never dismissive of an answer. He challenged conventional thinking. He was a tough fighter (6 and 1/2 years of cancer) and he anchored our extended family through daily questions and bad dad jokes. All who met him were grateful for his example and legacy of faith. We pray that we all may steward our time and money well as we serve God in His Kingdom.
Ernie is survived by his loving wife, Doris (Steinbach) Rex; his children, Nick (Mandy) Rex, Andrew Rex, and Inge (Philip) Peterson; his grandchildren Emric Rex; David, Grace, & Karen Rex; Theda & Hank Peterson; his sister Elizabeth (Larry) Landfried; his brother Daniel Rex; his sisters-in-law Fern (Russ) Bowder; Sandra (Gary) Lindsay; & Nancy Leonard; many nieces & nephews; great nieces and nephews; and a faith community that spans the country.
Ernie is preceded in death by his parents Edward & Ingeborg Rex and his father and mother-in-law Lorenz & Mary Ann Steinbach.
Ernie's family is holding a memorial service in his honor on Thursday, December 15, at 11am at First Lutheran Church in DeKalb (324 N 3rd St., DeKalb, IL). There will be a visitation prior to the service starting at 9:30am.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial can be sent to First Lutheran Church 324 N 3rd Street, DeKalb, IL 60115.
For information, visit www.AndersonFuneralHomeLtd.com or call 815-756-1022.