Rex Beach

Rex Castles Beach, formerly of Cannon Falls and a resident of Las Vegas, Nevada for 27 years, passed away at the age of 89, on Friday, September 23, 2016. Rex was born in Waterville, MN on July 19, 1927 to Adelbert and Jennie (Castles) Beach. He was in the Armed Forces, and a World War II veteran. Rex was united in marriage to Darlene Kujath on December 31, 1953. Over the years they made their home in Hayfield, Randolph and Cannon Falls, MN; retiring to Las Vegas, NV in 1989. Rex worked for the railroad during summer vacation while still in high school, and began his employment with the Chicago Great Western Railroad as a yard clerk in 1944. Rex was hired as a brakeman in 1951 and shortly thereafter promoted to conductor. Throughout his career, Rex worked at numerous locations throughout Minnesota and Iowa, and spent 14 months working in Chicago, Illinois. Rex's early interest in the railroad dates back to his childhood. At an early age his grandmother, recognizing his great interest in the railroad, gave him the gift of a print depicting a train station from the 1800s. His first scrapbook on the subject dates back to 1938. Over the years Rex acquired a collection of railroad memorabilia, eventually focusing on photographs related to the Chicago Great Western Railroad. Rex was an avid reader on the subject and retained a vast amount of dates, places, names and other information. Through correspondence and phone calls, Rex enjoyed long and close relationships with many friends who shared his passion. Rex is survived by his wife of 62 years, Darlene; four children, Dr. Rhonda Downie, of Chanhassen, Susan (Richard) Brantseg of New Brighton, Jennifer (David) Raasch of Burnsville, and Robert (Pamela) Beach of Cannon Falls; six grandchildren, Justin Downie, Alexander Downie, Robert Brantseg, Dr. Thomas (Amanda) Brantseg, Madalyn Beach and Garrett Beach; and his sister, Helen Waugh (Archie) of North Mankato. Rex was preceded in death by his parents and infant grandson, Dylan. Rex has returned to the earth, the trees, and the wind and the stars. We know he will be at peace in the natural world around us, and will live on in every soul he touched. A gathering to celebrate Rex's life will be held on Sunday, October 23, 2016, from 1:00pm – 4:00pm, at the Lundberg Funeral Home, Cannon Falls.

Funeral Home: Lundberg Funeral Home 5839 Hwy 19 Blvd Cannon Falls, MN US 55009

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Service
Sunday, October 23, 2016

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