Rex J. Hargroves, age 73, of Holstein, IA passed away on July 5, 2017 at his residence.

Rex was born on February 4, 1944 to George Hargroves and Wanda (Chamberlain) Davis.  He was raised by Clarence and Wanda Davis in rural Castanta, IA along with his six loving siblings.

Growing up, Rex was always known as the “fun one of the bunch.” His siblings recall many fond memories.  They enjoyed playing board games and cards throughout their childhood.

Rex married the love of his life, Barbara J. Nuzum, on January 6, 1962.   Barbara was from a large family of 17 from Moorhead, IA.  They moved to Holstein where they created a lifetime of memories together.  They were blessed with two children, Randy and Sandy.

A true entrepreneur, Rex worked as a carpenter for over 30 years.  His work still graces the Holstein area today.  He worked with his son, Randy, for Hargroves Plumbing and Heating for 25 years.  You could always find Rex at odd hours doing bookwork and planning projects.

Rex had a true love for the Loess Hills, where he was raised.  He thoroughly enjoyed visiting his old stomping grounds and working with his brother on the farm.  He enjoyed using the skid loader to remove trees and better the farms.   He was always thinking of new ways to build attachments for his skid loader that would improve his work.  The annual 4th of July family get-together was a wonderful event that brought the entire family back to the farm, which Rex truly enjoyed.

Always a quick wit and eager to tease, share a story, or joke; friends and family will fondly remember Rex.  If you wanted a good discussion, and possibly a friendly argument, he was the guy to go to.  He was a man of true character- a man of integrity and compassion for others.  With a heart of gold, Rex would gladly offer help to anyone in need.  His siblings remember Rex carrying his younger sister, Vicki, to school because he didn’t want her shoes to get muddy (too bad he couldn’t carry both of his sisters).

Rex had an appreciation for his family, which he valued above all else in life.  He was so incredibly proud of his granddaughters- he would tell friends of their accomplishments.  He was also very fond of his great-grandchildren; he proudly shared photos with his friends.  You couldn’t help but notice the twinkle in his eyes and the smile on his face when he spoke of his family.  Rex knew he was truly blessed with the best.

Survivors include his wife of 55 years, Barbara; a son, Randy and friend Ashley Ann; a daughter and her husband, Sandy and Tom Gray; two granddaughters, Tristan (Cory) Kitch and Kailee Gray (Dr. Steven Meek); six great-grandchildren, Grayson, Gillian, Sulley, Mallory, Ella and Maggie; three siblings, Don Davis (Betty), Sharon Poole (Dave), Vicki Helmbrect (Gray Trucke); one sister-in-law, Sandy Hedum; brothers and sisters-in-law from his wife’s family, Allan Nuzum (Joyce), Jack Nuzum (Shirley), Dale Nuzum, Joyce Williams (Gary), Pat Johnson (Ron), Diane Thesian (Larry), Carol Nuzum, Charlene Nuzum, Nettie Nuzum; several nieces and nephews; and many friends.  He also leaves Bo and Mali Fox and family- Scott (Jessica and son, Weston), Cora, Jake (Kali and son, Nash) and Craig, who have a special bond with the Hargroves family, as they considered Rex and Barb as grandparents.

Rex was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Gary, Roger and Larry; sister and brother-in-law, Connie and Jack; and several sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law.

On-line condolences can be made at nicklasdjensenfh.com

Written by Cora Fox

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