04/25/2022
Rex Lee Seibert, age 69, of Harvey, Iowa, passed away on Monday, April 25, 2022, at his residence.
Rex was born on August 29, 1952, in Ottumwa, Iowa, the son of Wilfred and Helen (Guthrie) Seibert. Rex grew up in Harvey and graduated from Knoxville High School, Class of 1970.
Rex took immense pride in his work. He laid basements and worked construction for many years before becoming a truck driver. He worked locally for Gordon Trucking and later Ben Shinn Trucking. He then drove for Des Moines Asphalt and Paving, ultimately retiring in 2015. Rex was a proud union member, having been part of both the Teamsters and Operating Engineers.
Rex welcomed his first daughter, Selina, while being very young himself. Rex would take Selina on dirt bike rides, getting scolded by Selina’s mom for letting her ride on the handlebars while driving around in Harvey. Rex enjoyed playing basketball in his younger years in local community games. Rex had a deep appreciation for nature and the outdoors. He began hunting as a boy and continued to do so his entire life. His second daughter, Sheena, arrived 11 years after Selina. He shared with her an early love of fishing and being on the water. One of Rex’s favorite activities was driving around (“roaming”) and looking at nature, trying to spot animals in the woods from the road, and testing his kids if they could see what he saw.
Rex loved buying and selling cars – “wheeling and dealing” as he liked to call it. Boats, side by side, cars, motorcycles, Rex had more vehicles than he could remember during his lifetime. Recently he tried to recall all the cars he had owned and wrote them down – after 50+ vehicles off the top of his head he stopped writing. Rex always had a dog by his side. Bostons were a favorite breed. Everywhere Rex went, Rose (or Billy) was close by, reaping the benefits of extra treats or nuggets through the drive-through.
Movie and TV nights with his close friends David and Cole were a favorite for Rex. He loved shows on history, war stories, action, and especially historical fiction. His daughters would have to watch Game of Thrones at the same time as him otherwise he’d call and say “can you believe THIS happened” and spoil the episode. He liked retelling funny commercials and the connections that come from shared stories.
Rex had a big laugh, a big smile, and an even bigger heart. He was known to be mischievous, enjoyed telling stories, and did his best to make everyone around him laugh. He enjoyed politics and was known to have lively debates. Rex loved to give to his friends and family. Christmas was a special holiday for Rex and he gave generously to those he cared for, but in his own, fun way. Every Christmas he’d put four blank envelopes in the tree, each holding a single bill in a different amount, and have his girls each pick out two. Whatever amounts you got, you got! Rex enjoyed continuing this tradition with his grandchildren Tristan and Taryn, finding new ways to tease and bring fun into his generosity. Rex cared for his family and always wanted more for them than he had had for himself.
Those left to cherish Rex’s memory include his daughters, Selina (Eric) Johnson of Knoxville and Sheena (Grant) Nelson of Minneapolis, MN; three grandchildren, Tristan Johnson, Taryn Johnson, and Maeve Nelson; two brothers, Kyle Goodwin and Kevin (Kathy) Goodwin; two sisters, Sidinia (Dave) Dwigans and Brette Bird. Rex is also survived by a cousin, Sharon Kennedy; and close friends, David, and Cole Leeper.
Rex is preceded in death by his parents, Wilfred Seibert and Helen Goodwin; brother, Carl Seibert; sister, Jeannie Fincher; Aunt Jo Cooper; and Cecil Kennedy.
Rex’s wishes were to be cremated. A Celebration of Life will be held at the Harvey Community Center on Saturday, April 30, 2022, from 2:00 P.M. to 4:00 P.M. A memorial service will begin at 2:30 P.M.
The Winfield Funeral Home of Knoxville is assisting Rex’s family with arrangements.