Ronald "Rex" Endres

Ronald “Rex” Gerard Endres, age 64, of Waunakee, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, July 5, 2021.

Rex brought a rare warmth, energy and playfulness to those around him. His tireless and selfless care for his family, friends, and customers simply cannot be overstated. He was truly one of a kind and will be deeply missed by many.

Rex was born on March 1, 1957, in Madison, Wis. to Jeanette (Wagner) and Laverne Endres. He married Brenda Fangmeier on September 22, 1990.

In addition to his wife of 31 years, Brenda, Rex is survived by his daughters, Rachael Zellner (Dan) and Michelle Zirbel (Jordan), his sons, Austin and Jordan (Sydney), his grandchildren Lily, Grace, Ethan, Ava, and Max, his siblings Joan (Keith) Rademacher, Virginia (Vincent) Meinholz, William (Deb) Endres, Susan (Donald) Schwartz, Charles (Darlene) Endres, Fred Endres, Howard (Lidia) Endres, and Scott (Melissa) Endres. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Laverne and Jeanette Endres and his first wife, Debra (Pulvermacher) Endres.

Rex learned his work ethic early, growing up on the family farm. During high school he began laying carpet and he later became part owner of H&R Carpets. He purchased The Innkeeper in 1988, and through his hard work, it quickly became the Rex’s Innkeeper we know today. For 33 years, Rex showed up day and night to make sure his employees and customers were treated like family. He worked unimaginably long hours, but he never complained. No matter how busy he was, he always made time for everyone.

Rex enjoyed hunting, fishing, boating, and fixing anything and everything, but above all else, he loved spending time with family. If there was a cause to be helped or a person in need, Rex was first to step up with a donation, food, or whatever was needed. Due to his outgoing nature, you were only a stranger once to Rex, which led to an unending list of friends. He was a member of the Wisconsin Restaurant Association, Mendota Gridiron Club, Waunakee Chamber of Commerce, Waunakee Rotary, and many other clubs and organizations. He earned numerous awards and accomplishments, including Business Man of the Year, Chamber Champion, Orchid Award, Best of Waunakee Awards, and Friends of Waunakee School Award.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, July 13, 2021, at 11 a.m. at St John’s Catholic Church, 209 South St, Waunakee. Msgr. James Gunn will officiate. Visitation will be held at St. John’s on Monday, July 12, from 4 to 7 p.m. and on Tuesday from 9 a.m. until the time of services.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial will be established at State Bank of Cross Plains, Waunakee Branch, in Rex’s name.

Rex left a legacy of love, family, kindness, community, and generosity that will live on.  We are better people for having known him, and he will remain in our hearts forever.

Winn-Cress Funeral Home

5785 Hwy Q

Waunakee, WI