Jul. 20, 1932 - Jun. 14, 2025
Date of Service: Jun. 20, 2025
BURLEY – Rex Wayne Quanstrom, age 92, of Burley, passed away peacefully at home Saturday, June 14, 2025, in the presence of his beloved wife and son, Rick.
Rex was born July 20, 1932, in Rupert, Idaho, the only son of August and Erma Quanstrom. Growing up alongside sisters, June, Fae, Alice, Margret, and Linda, he often said, only half-joking, that being the only boy meant he was also “the only one Dad made work” on the family farm. From an early age, he learned the value of responsibility, grit, and getting the job done right.
He graduated from Declo High School in 1950, where he excelled on the football field and earned a scholarship to Westminster College. Rather than wait for the draft, Rex enlisted in the United States Air Force, where he proudly served as a jet mechanic.
After completing his service, Rex returned to Idaho and married the love of his life, Shirley Poole, a girl he met on the dance floor, where he loved to be. A devoted husband, father, and provider, Rex worked tirelessly, often holding multiple jobs to support his growing family. He spent 32 years at Kraft Foods as a dedicated shipping and receiving clerk, earning the respect of coworkers and patrons alike.
Rex embraced community life. He played in local basketball, softball, and bowling leagues, once earning a rare “all-spare” game award from the American Bowling Congress. He also coached Little League and supported his children and grandchildren in their many interests, and found quiet joy in hunting, fishing, traveling, and cheering on his beloved Boise State Broncos and Seattle Seahawks. He was always up for a road trip, especially if it meant quality time with his wife, family, and friends.
Known for his quick wit, boundless generosity, and the ability to fix just about anything, Rex was a man who made everyone feel like a friend. He never turned away someone in need and approached life with humility, humor, and a deep devotion to his faith and family. His favorite musician was Don Williams, and he found peace and pleasure in the simple joys of life, especially when shared with those he loved.
He is survived by his beloved wife of over 66 years, Shirley Quanstrom; children, Randy (Susan) Quanstrom, Ricky (Diana) Quanstrom, Robert Quanstrom (Tina Bryant), Janet Quanstrom Grant, and Richard (Erin) Quanstrom; sisters, Alice Kowitz, Margret (Richard) Pfeiffer, and Linda (Rick) Birdsong; 18 grandchildren; 33 great-grandchildren; and seven great-great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; and sisters, June (Elmon) Kidd, Fae (Cal) Jibson; and brother-in-law, Ray Kowitz.
The family would like to thank the Intermountain Hospice Team, especially Bobby Ann and Kristy, for their compassionate care and support.
The funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, June 20, at Rasmussen-Wilson Funeral Home, located at 1350 E. 16th St., in Burley.
Family and friends will be received at the funeral home from 5 until 7 p.m. Thursday, June 19, and one hour prior to the funeral service on Friday.
A live webcast of the funeral service will be available and maintained at rasmussenwilson.com.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to a veterans’ organization or the Alzheimer’s Foundation, in honor of Rex’s legacy of service and compassion.
