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Rex F. Oelke, 73 of Unadilla, was born on May 28, 1951, to Edward & Hilda (Fitzekam) Oelke in Nebraska City. He passed away on September 26, 2024, at St. Mary's Hospital in Nebraska City. Rex married Janet McWilliams on February 6, 1971, at St. Paulinus Catholic Church in Syracuse.

Rex worked for Syracuse Farm Equipment until he started R&R Repair with his father-in-law Ross McWilliams. He later worked at the Syracuse Hospital, Local #464 Plumbers and Steamfitters Union, and retired from Keim Farm Equipment. Rex served his country for 6 years while in the Army National Guard. He also belonged to the Unadilla Fellowship and card club with special friends. Baseball was important to Rex, he was the first T-ball coach in Unadilla, enjoyed cheering on his children and grandchildren, and he spent many nights at the Unadilla ballfield helping his family with concessions. Rex also enjoyed Husker volleyball and cooking for his family. He was his grandkids #1 fan and loved to attend all their events. He will be remembered for his willingness to drop everything to help a friend. Rex was a loving father and grandfather and a devoted spouse.  His great sense of humor and quick wit will be greatly missed by those who loved him.

He is survived by his wife Janet, children Chad (Shelly) Oelke, Pamela (Michael) Carlson, Elizabeth (Josh) Pelan, Stephanie Oelke, Shelby Oelke (Michael); grandchildren Sammantha (Tyler) Ludemann, Ashton (Nick) Neumann, Paige Oelke, Dakota Oelke, Courtney (Jason) Johnson, Caitlyn Carlson (Trevor), Olivia & Cecilia Pelan, Landon Oelke; great grandchildren Kinley Ludemann, Baby Johnson; step-great grandsons Kaden & Karter Ludemann; siblings Judy Thorne, Phillip (Dorie) Oelke, Ted (Diane) Oelke, Mary (Bill) Bossung; brothers-in-law & sisters-in-law Kathy (Wayne) Schomerus, Joyce Gilbert (Gary), Dan (Babette) McWilliams, Charley (Deb) McWilliams, Donna McWilliams, David (MaryBeth) McWilliams, Keith (Tracy) McWilliams; also numerous nieces, nephews and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents Edward & Hilda; in-laws Ross & Frances McWilliams; brother & sister-in-law Richard & Joyce Oelke and brother-in-law Claude Thorne.

Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, October 2 at St. Paulinus Catholic Church in Syracuse. The service will be livestreamed on the St. Paulinus Facebook page. Burial will follow at the Park Hill Cemetery in Syracuse.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, October 1 from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. at the funeral home. Family will greet friends at the church on Tuesday, October 1 from 5-7 p.m. with the rosary at 7 p.m.

Memorials are suggested to the family for later designation.

Arrangements By: Fusselman Allen Harvey Funeral Home, Syracuse

Condolences to www.fusselmanallenharvey.com