R Rex Rotz

Rex, the eldest of three sons, was born in Sabetha, KS to Grace and Lloyd Rotz in 1924. He moved with his parents and brothers, Carl and Lynn, to Colorado Springs, CO where he later met and married his first wife, Alice Eleanor Smith. Rex and Alice raised five children in Colorado Springs before moving to Mount Vernon, WA in 1983.

Rex was a devoted husband, father, and man of God. He raised his family to have a strong faith in God and managed a successful career as a drywall contractor, working until the age of 80. Rex’s busiest day was Sunday. The morning began with preparations to teach an adult Sunday school class followed by coordinating music for the many choirs and congregations that he directed for most of his adult life. Later, Sunday evening, it was back to church for services, music, and devotions. Many Sunday afternoons and evenings, Rex, along with his two brothers and a friend, sang as a quartet for various churches and groups.

Rex was an entrepreneur at heart and before his drywall contracting days, he worked in his father’s bakery, ran a successful candy route and managed a paint store. Rex had a strong work ethic and also a sense of adventure. When the children were young, Rex and Alice purchased a log cabin and 30 acres in Black Forest, CO, which provided the family with numerous adventures and a place to later build their dream home.

After the children had grown, Rex and Alice moved to Mt. Vernon, WA to be closer to the ocean. Following the passing of Alice in September 2003, Rex communicated with, then courted and married long-time friend Lois Sink of Lockport, NY. In 2014, Rex and Lois moved from Mt. Vernon to Lewiston, ID to be closer to their children and grandchildren. They enjoyed the opportunities this created to spend more time with family. Rex loved music, was proud of his career work, and had steadfast faith in God. He cared deeply for his family as a husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather. His quiet humor and worshipful piano playing and singing will be missed by many.

Rex is preceded in death by his parents Lloyd and Grace Rotz, his brother Lynn Rotz, his first wife of 55 years Alice Rotz, his daughter Esther Zink, and his son Robert Rotz. He is survived by Lois Rotz, his wife of 11 years and his brother Carl (Alice) Rotz of Lafayette, CO. He is also survived by his sons, daughters-in-law, sons-in-law, their children. These include Glenn and Mary Rotz of Lewiston, ID and their children Katie (Rotz) and Calvin Schnider, Molly (Rotz) and Jonathan Montgomery, and Zac and Amanda Rotz; Roland Rotz and Jody Giacopuzzi and their twin daughters, Lindy and Cate GiacopuzziRotz; Douglas and Ann Rotz and their children Kirsten, Megan, and Brett Rotz. Rex is also survived by Deby (Wes) Kenyon and daughter Amanda Murphy, Terry Zink and children Anna (Zink) and Jarret Hayes, David and Julie Zink, and Ryan and Stacy Zink. Rex also had 12 great grandchildren.

Rex will be interred at Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Colorado Springs, CO.