Sylvester "Rex" Kellner, age 87 of Rochester died Thursday, December 19, 2024 at Samaritan Bethany in Rochester, MN.

Sylvester "Rex" James Kellner was born October 24, 1937 in Wesley, IA to Mathias and Mary (Foertsch) Kellner. He lived and attended school in Wesley, IA until 1948 when his family moved to the Stewartville, MN area. He served in the United States Army from 1956 to 1958. In 1960, Rex was set up on a blind date with his soon-to-be wife, Joyce Elaine Rollie. They were married on October 28, 1961 at St. Pius X Catholic Church in Rochester, MN. The couple lived in Rochester where they raised their four sons. Sadly in 1985, Joyce passed away, and Rex continued to reside in their house for a total of 60 years. Rex worked as a plumber in the maintenance department for 50 years at Saint Marys Hospital and had several other part-time jobs. He enjoyed farming with his brothers, Matt and Ken, on the family farm in Stewartville, until Matt's passing in 2017. Rex really enjoyed socializing with others, but everyone was fair game for his little antics. During his last year and a half of life, he resided at Arbor Terrace Assisted Living. During this time, Rex loved working on puzzles with the staff that became his close friends. Rex's eyes lit up when one of his family members came to visit, especially when they brought one of his favorite sweet treats.

He is survived by his children Mark (Sherri) Kellner of Stewartville; David Kellner of Stewartville; Daniel (Gloria) Kellner of Mason City, IA; and Brian (Angela) Kellner of Rochester. He has 10 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife on July 31, 1985; his granddaughter Elaine; four brothers: Lawrence, Mathias, Kenneth, and Louis; and four sisters: Viola, Mary Ann, Fidelis "Lilly," and Margaret.

A visitation will be held from 12pm to 2pm on Saturday December 28th, 2024 in the River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home in Rochester, MN. A private burial with Military Honors will follow at Grandview Memorial Gardens.

Memorials are preferred to the Rochester Samaritan Bethany Arbor Terrace.