Rex Hugh Altenburg

Rex Altenburg, 86, a loving husband, dad and grandpa, was born in Rochelle, IL and grew up on a farm, where his family raised hogs and chickens. He grew up driving a tractor, the beginning of his life-long love of driving. He attended Prairie Star Rural School, Kings Grade School and Rochelle Community High School.

Rex studied Elementary Education at Manchester College, where he met a young nursing student, Nancy Beachley. In 1960, they were married, and Rex got his first teaching job at Anthony Wayne Elementary School in Fort Wayne. He went on to earn a Master’s degree in Education, and took a leave of absence between 1971-1973 to teach in Germany in US Army schools, a great adventure for the whole family.

Rex was raised in Kings Presbyterian Church; at age 23 he made a conscious decision to trust Christ as his Savior. He and Nancy were active members of First Christian Union Church in Fort Wayne, then Avalon Missionary Church, and in 1981 joined First Missionary Church. Rex was a generous giver to missions, a friend of children. He worked as an usher, served many funeral dinners, and even cared for babies in the nursery. He loved his circle of close friends that grew out of an adult Sunday School class.

Rex was a helpful neighbor. He was very social, an avid fisherman, card-player and sports fan. In the last 2 ½ years at Kingston, the staff noted his large number of visitors, and he was known for being kind and gracious to everyone. He enthusiastically participated in many group activities.

Rex faced his last months with mostly cheerful acceptance and was greatly comforted by his family and friends, chaplains, caregivers, and the hospice team that worked together on his behalf. He passed away peacefully in his sleep on August 18, 2025.

He is survived by a sister, Gail (Stephen) Knudsen of Rodgers, AR and a brother, Larry Altenburg of Rockford, IL; daughters Julie (John) Gerig, Janet (Thomas) Siciliano, Joy (Robbie) Sondag; grandchildren Brandon, Andrew, Megan and Daniel Gerig; Emma Siciliano; Kade and Sadie Sondag.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Ivan and Frances Altenburg; wife, Nancy (Beachley) Altenburg.

The funeral service will be 11:00 am on Monday, August 25, 2025, at First Missionary Church, 701 West Rudisill Boulevard, Fort Wayne, IN, with visitation one hour prior. Visitation is also from 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm Sunday, August 24, 2025, at D.O. McComb and Sons - Foster Park, Funeral Home, 6301 Fairfield Avenue, Fort Wayne, IN. Committal and burial at Prairie Grove Cemetery.

Rex’s wishes were that memorials be sent to World Partners, PO Box 9333, Fort Wayne, IN 46899 (wpartners.org)