Rex A. Rohwedder

Rex Rohwedder, 73, of Leola, SD, died Sunday, December 18, 2022, at Sanford USD Medical Center, Sioux Falls, SD.

Rex Allen Rohwedder was born August 5, 1949, to William and Ruth (Broadbent) Rohwedder in Aberdeen, SD. He grew up on the family farm west of Barnard, SD. He attended school in Barnard and Frederick, graduating from Frederick High School in 1968.

On August 2, 1969, Rex married his high school sweetheart, Elaine Alldritt in Aberdeen. They lived on his family’s farm and Rex worked for several ranchers in the area. They lived in the Barnard area before moving to Fulton, SD, for a couple of years and then returned to Barnard to finish raising their family. In 2018, Rex retired from ranching and moved to Leola.

Rex was a member of the United Church of Christ where he held several positions. He loved the ranch, raising cattle and his horses and dogs. He also loved to horse around. Over the years, Rex mentored many younger farmers in the area. He never met a stranger, could strike up a conversation with anyone, and was mistaken for Santa Claus on more than one occasion.

Grateful for having shared Rex’s life are his wife: Elaine Rohwedder; his daughters: Jo Lynn (Shawn) Pugh, Ann (Eric) Menzia, Jessica (Shawn) Schaffer, and Betty Austin (Elliot Kjer); grandchildren: Demi Haar, Sanjay (Alexandra) Raman, Nick Menzia, Samantha Menzia, Sara Menzia, Averie Schaffer, Trinity Schaffer, Hailey Schaffer, Bria Austin, Evan Austin (Shaira Cruz), Connor Austin, Madison Kjer, and Charlie Kjer; great-grandchildren: Dulcie Ferguson and Yce Cruz; godchild: Claire Mardian; and Rex’s brothers: Roger (Linda) Rohwedder and Ronald (Rita) Rohwedder.

Preceding Rex in death are his parents William and Ruth Rohwedder.