Rex Weldon Pershing

Rex W. Pershing, 95, of Cedar Falls, IA passed peacefully at his home on July 7, 2026. He was a cherished husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather and loved my many friends and former students. He will be deeply missed. Rex was born in Schuyler County, IL on June 5, 1931 to Charles F. and Irma Ussery Pershing. He lived his first 14 years on the Schuyler County farm. His family moved to Moline Illinois and then to Preston, Iowa where he graduated from Preston High School in 1949. He received a B.S. degree in Industrial Arts from Western Illinois University (then Western Illinois State Teachers College) in 1954, MS degree from UNI (then Iowa State Teachers College ) in 1965 and EdD degree from Colorado State College , Greeley CO. in 1970. He taught junior high school Industrial Arts in Alton, Illinois and Galesburg Illinois. He taught Electronics and Electricity at UNI from 1965 to 1991. He was a teacher at heart, always imparting his knowledge and skills; a mentor to many. He married Barbara Beatty on August 7, 1954, (72 years minus 1 month), in Bushnell Illinois. They had five children, loving grandparents to nine grandchildren and 25 great-grandchildren. During his life he built 2 homes and countless remodeling projects; earned a private pilots license and built and flew an Experimental airplane (the Cozy); built too many pieces of furniture to count; remodeled a school bus to a camper (1967); carved canes, Santas, animals; “fixed” hundreds of unfixables!; and always had a better way to do it (which usually was!). He loved to travel, loved museums and to learn. His questions often stumped travel guides and he never knew a stranger! They traveled to all 50 states, many trips in “the Bus” and made several trips outside the U.S. His favorites were a toss-up between Australia and the Holy Land. His family, friends, and former students could likely quote one his favorite “sayings” that he used to make a point or as a quick verbal response to a life situation that fit the conversation. He was a long-time member of First United Methodist Church; member and Master of Masonic Lodge #65; member and president of Chapter 227 Experimental Aviation Association; and Cedar Valley Woodworkers. Rex was preceded in death by his parents Charles and Irma Pershing, daughter Jill Jorgensen, sister and brother-in law Beverly and Ken Stark; brother Lyle Pershing; grandchildren Kelley McDowell, Matthew Pershing, Joseph and Adam Pershing. He is survived by his wife, Barbara; brother, Harold Pershing, and children Steven (Sara) Pershing; Stuart (Diane) Pershing; Janet (Mike) McDowell; Jennifer (Lisa) Hicks Pershing and son-in-law Alan Jorgensen, his grandchildren: Jason (Danielle) Pershing, Andrew (Karen) Pershing, Kasey (Mark) Meinhart, Kristin (Nate) Fittje, Jeffery Pershing, Arin (Peter) Oppermann, Peter (Emily) Jorgensen, Joseph (Brae) Jorgensen, Cameron (Gustavo) Pozo; 25 great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. Visitation will be from 4-7pm Friday, July 10, 2026, at Richardson Funeral Service, 615 Main St, Cedar Falls, with a Masonic service beginning at 7pm. Funeral services will be 11am Saturday July 11, 2026, at First United Methodist Church, 709 Clay St, Cedar Falls. Memorials may be directed to: First United Methodist Church, Western Home Communities, Salvation Army, or NE Iowa Food Bank.

Rex Weldon Pershing

June 5, 1931 - July 7, 2026