Rex K. Ellsworth

Rex. K. Ellsworth of Caro, age 86, passed away while doing what he loved, playing golf, on Thursday, May 18, 2017. Rex was born January 25, 1931 in Oskaloosa, Iowa, the son of the late Phillip & Pearl (Kilfoil) Ellsworth. He graduated from Oskaloosa High School with the class of 1949 and would later play semi-professional football in Pella, Iowa. Rex's working career began with Montgomery Ward in Dubuque, Iowa, where he advanced to store manager. While in this role, he hired a job applicant and future love of his life, Carol Brimeyer. The couple was united in marriage on March 25, 1960 in Nashua, Iowa, and she survives. He remained with Montgomery Ward through relocations to Plattville, Wisconsin, Kalamazoo, Michigan and Devils Lake, North Dakota. He continued in retail store management for other companies in Chicago, Illinois, Atlanta, Georgia, Columbus, Ohio and Edina, Minnesota, until moving to Caro in 1977 when he and Carol purchased a retail store of their own, Gambles Hardware. For more than thirty years, Rex and Carol were the familiar faces behind the counter at the local hardware, and could be seen at virtually every downtown Caro event. Rex was instrumental in the creation of the Tuscola County Economic Development Corporation and was active in the Caro Chamber of Commerce. He was also a member of St. Christopher Parish in Caro, the Caro Knights of Columbus #3224, and the Caro Lions Club. His passion was golf and in his younger years enjoyed hunting, fishing and coaching wrestling. Left to cherish his memory are four children, Debbie Read and her husband, Randy, of Sugarland, Texas, Paul Ellsworth of Caro, Jean Ellsworth of Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, Michael Ellsworth of Colorado Springs, Colorado; three grandchildren, Damon Read, Angie Read, and Molly DeKruger; four great-grandchildren, Parker, Easton, Beau, and Bennett Read; and many nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Rex was preceded in death by two sons, David Berner in 1996, Bobby Ellsworth in 1998; and two brothers, Whitey and Robert Ellsworth. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, May 23, 2017 at St. Christopher Parish, Sacred Heart Church in Caro with Rev. Jerzy Dobosz officiating. The family will be present to receive friends at the Ransford Collon Funeral Home in Caro on Monday from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and on Tuesday at the church from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service at 11:00 a.m. A Knights of Columbus Rosary Service will be held on Monday at 7:30 p.m. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorial contributions to the Caro Knights of Columbus #3224. Visitation Information Date: Monday, May 22, 2017 Time: 4:00 pm End Time: 8:00 pm Ransford Collon Funeral Home Address: 989-673-2175 | Map The family will be present to receive friends at the Ransford Collon Funeral Home in Caro on Monday from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and on Tuesday at the church from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service at 11:00 a.m. Service Information Date: Tuesday, May 23, 2017 Time: 11:00 am St. Christopher Parish, Sacred Heart Church site Address: 140 Atwood St. Caro, MI 48723 A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, May 23, 2017 at St. Christopher Parish, Sacred Heart Church in Caro with Rev. Jerzy Dobosz officiating.