Rex Jackson Walz, 86, of Rexburg, passed away on February 23, 2017 of causes incident to old age. He was born November 16, 1930, in Plano, Idaho, the son of Herman Wieter Walz and Eva May Jackson. He had an older sister, Beverly (Ricks), and a younger brother, Ryan. He grew up on the family farm west of Rexburg in Burton and attended grade school in Burton and Madison High School. In high school he played basketball and pitched on the fast-pitch softball team. While attending high school he met and fell in love with DoraLee Packer and they were married in the Idaho Falls LDS Temple on October 20, 1950.

After marriage Rex and DoraLee lived next to his parents in Burton and raised Hereford cattle with his father on the family farm and ranch in the Burton Canyon Creek areas. In 1956 they purchased Rex's grandfather's home and farm, also in Burton, where they raised hay and grain. Every Tuesday Rex and DoraLee worked at the Rexburg Livestock Auction, Rex as the weighmaster and DoraLee as the bookkeeper. In the early 1960s Rex helped DoraLee's father, Clyde P. Packer develop a dry farm south of Newdale into a sprinkler irrigated potato and grain farm, which he ran for one year. Later Rex took over the farm in Burton and ranch in Canyon Creek area. In the mid-seventies Rex and DoraLee began going to Arizona in the winters living first in Mesa and later in Gilbert. In Arizona they were both involved in the real estate business. They served a mission in the Los Angeles, California Mission.

Rex and DoraLee have four children: Eric (Lynne) Walz, LeeAnne (David Lynn) Archibald, Arlyn (Debbie) Walz and Tarrin Walz. They have 19 grandchildren and 29 great-grandchildren. Rex enjoyed working with his family on the farm and playing tennis and basketball with his children and grandchildren.

Over the course of his life Rex served on the Madison School Board and the Federal Land Bank Board. He was part owner in Tri-County Equipment. He had his private pilot's license and owned several small planes. For fun he liked to play tennis, playing until he was 81, and travel. He especially enjoyed watching his grandchildren play sports. He was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and held several positions in elders quorum and the ward.

Rex is survived by his wife DoraLee, his brother Ryan, his four children, and all of his grandchildren and great-children.

Funeral services will be held 11:00 a.m. Saturday, March 4th at the Burton East Chapel. The family will receive friends Friday evening from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. at Flamm Funeral Home and again from 10:00 to 10:45 a.m. at the church prior to the services. Interment will be at the Burton Cemetery.