Rex Myrick Steiner

Rex Myrick Steiner

1944 ~ 2022 (age 77)

Rex Steiner, 77, died peacefully at his home in Hartsel, Colorado, of natural causes before his 78th birthday in July of 2022.

Rex was born on July 17th, 1944, in St. Joseph, Missouri to Charlene and Herman Steiner. His first marriage at a young age to Shirley King blessed him with two daughters, Debra (Elida) and Donna. Rex went on to serve three years in the Army from 1965 to 1968 which included a one-year tour in Vietnam as a Radar Repairman (Specialist, E-5). Decorations include the Vietnam Service Medal, The National Defense Service Medal and the Vietnam Campaign Medal w/ Device, SS Carbine. Rex shared very little about his experiences in Vietnam, but the challenges he faced shaped his personal and professional struggles and accomplishments. He was proud of his service to his country and displayed a poppy flower on his lapel during times of remembrance.

After an Honorable Discharge from the Army, Rex began his career as an electrical engineer and excelled in the beverage can manufacturing industry, eventually becoming a can plant manager. Rex had a passion for excellence.  He devoted close to 40 years of service to his career which led him on many travels nationally and world-wide including Japan, China, Saudi Arabia, Europe, South America, and Africa. A quintessential “Bud Man”, Rex was a brilliant innovator and was well respected in his field. His motto was “Walk the Talk.” He was a man of integrity even when the majority did not follow, and he always did what he felt was right.

Rex and Susan married on July 3rd, 1974. This union blessed them with one daughter, Leah.

After retirement, Rex moved to Hartsel, Colorado, where he referred to his home and land as “Freedom City” where he lived and died by his own terms. He did it his way!

Rex enjoyed spending time outdoors; fishing, boating, hunting, horseback riding and camping in Minnesota and the Rocky Mountains of Colorado. He especially enjoyed time spent with family and friends at Steamboat Lake State Park. Rex was gifted with a natural artistic talent; he enjoyed drawing, crafting beautiful wood carvings and stained glass.

Rex was classy, like the Stetsons he wore. On a few occasions, Rex gave away a brand-new Stetson hat he happened to have in his vehicle, purchased from the St. Joe Missouri Outlet Store with the intent to offer it to a stranger he met at a local drinking establishment as he saw fit. Rex was known to challenge non-Budweiser drinkers to taste tests. His favorite candy was Cherry Cocktail Bars and Old Faithful from the Idaho Candy Co.; he was delighted to receive it as a Father’s Day gift. He enjoyed listening to Simon and Garfunkel and The Mama & the Papas, as well as country and oldies music. He smoked Marlboro cigarettes.

Rex’s dance moves were far from impeccable, and he possessed a wit that could burn through steel. His guidance- good and bad- will never be forgotten and we hope that he knew how much we depended on him. Rex (Dad) was dearly loved and will be missed. We will continue to heed his main advice of “Always be True to Yourself” as best we can.

Rex is survived by his former spouse, Susan Hiatt of 35 years, Divide, Colorado; daughters Elida Murray (Jeff) of Pennsylvania, Donna Johnson-Topholm (Mike) of Eagle, Idaho and Leah Vanderkolk (Jim, favorite son-in-law) of Woodland Park, Colorado; stepsons Randy Lerich (Barb) of Ft. Collins, Colorado, Scott Lerich of Cave Junction, Oregon; a brother, Reggie Steiner of Spring Lake Park, Minnesota; 11 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren. He was affectionately referred to as Poppy by his closest grandchildren, Emily Ratzlaff Depoy (Scott) of Woodland Park, Colorado, Jackson Fredericksen of Dolores, Colorado, and Audrey Vanderkolk of Woodland Park, Colorado.  

Rex had the honor of escorting Emily down the aisle at her wedding in July of 2021. Rex was preceded in death by his parents, Herman Steiner of St. Joseph, Missouri; stepmother Lola Steiner of St. Joseph, Missouri; sister, Jan Christensen; best friend and step-brother Steve Smith of Missouri and mother Charlene Campbell of Minnesota.

A celebration of life will be held tentatively in October 2022, as formal funeral services did not fit Rex’s wishes.

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