Rex Lichtenberger

Rex Fay Lichtenberger’s legacy hasn’t come to an end with his death. Rex was born on July 18, 1924, to Howard Faye and Alta “Merle” (Townsend) Lichtenberger. Rex passed away after a life well lived in Fairbury, at the age of 99.Rex was the fourth child out of eight, and grew up on the family farm in Hollenberg, Kansas. He had a strong love of his family and often talked about the fun times they had fishing and swimming in a nearby creek, and hunting with his dad and brothers.Married to Byrtilla for 78 years, their love was out of a story book. They met at a dance hall and polka dancing became a lifelong pastime for the pair. They traveled to dances around Nebraska, the Midwest and even a special trip to Czechoslovakia to follow their favorite band, Ernie Kucera.Rex spent his career in the grocery industry, starting at Howard’s & Paul’s Markets in Fairbury, and retiring as Bogart’s manager over both the Fairbury and Beatrice stores after 41 years in the business.Spending time with family and friends has always been the most important part of Rex and Byrtilla’s lives. He loved to fish, play cards, especially Pitch, and board games with them all. He also enjoyed being outside and could be found painting or working in his workshop building dog houses and benches.Our hearts are heavy as we lose a patriarch of our family and a devoted family man.Rex was preceded in death by his parents Howard and Merle Lichtenberger, great-grandson Cash Bell, brothers Roe, Ross, Robert and Ralph, sisters Shirley Munsterman, Coral Schroder and infant sister Faye.Rex is survived by wife Byrtilla, of Fairbury; and 2 daughters Rose (Larry) Bergerson of Ashland, NE, and Ruth (Dr. Guy) Stewart of Fairbury; five grandchildren, Angie (John) Roderique, Chad Ferguson, Sara Boudty, Ashley (Chris) Bell and Landon (Danni) Stewart; and ten great-grandchildren; Alecia Zauha and Evan Roderique, Madalyn and Isabelle Boudty, Cole and Reese Ferguson, Celia and Vaughn Bell and Skye Stewart and Ellie Stewart. He is also survived by sisters-in-law Joann Lichtenberger and Martha Harris.Funeral services will be held November 10, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. at Gerdes-Meyer Funeral Home in Fairbury. Luncheon following service at First Presbyterian Church. Graveside service at the Fairbury Cemetery following the luncheon. The family will greet friends Thursday from 5 – 7 p.m. at the Funeral Home. Gerdes-Meyer Funeral Home is assisting with arrangements. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Rex can be made to the Fairbury Cemetery or Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. www.gerdesmeyerfh.com b

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