Gerald Rex Medley

Gerald ‘Rex’ Medley - February 1941 – August 6, 2023 Born to Gerald and Geneva Harvat Medley, Rex and his siblings, Carol, Dale and Victor grew up in the Minne Lusa area of North Omaha. He was a natural athlete and played baseball throughout his school years at Minne Lusa and Omaha North where he was praised for his “flawless fielding and clinch hitting.” Graduating in 1959, Rex was forever a proud Viking, staying connected with his classmates throughout his lifetime. Following graduation, he attended UNL, UNO and South Dakota State. It was at UNO where he met Jolene, his future wife who stood by him through 61 years of marriage. Jolene was often referred to as a saint. They raised four children, Christine, Edith, Andrea and Cara. In the early days of his career, Rex worked as a typesetter, both for his father, who owned the Omaha Typesetting Company and later at the Omaha World Herald until computerized typesetting replaced hot metal type. Rex then moved on to a second career working for the railroad—beginning as a switchman with the Missouri Pacific and then becoming an engineer for the Union Pacific after the two companies merged. He retired after 34 years’ service in 2004. Rex had an amazing memory and could easily recite football scores as far back as the 1970s. He was a gruff guy on the outside, who wore sunglasses indoors, creatively dropped every curse word ever known to mankind, referred to his friends by their last names and his girls with affectionate nicknames; Der Klunk, the Schmede, Von Sniffle Piffle and Cara Scubbins. Rex had a big heart on the inside and always put his family first. He helped countless friends and neighbors. For 24 years Rex served as guardian to a disabled friend. He volunteered at the North Bend VFW helping with Bingo nights for over a decade. Rex was passionate about classic cars, sports, horse racing, music and mowing grass, especially the trails in Skyline Ranches. In his retirement, he was the ultimate band groupie, traveling cross country with Jolene to catch a Hacienda Brothers performance. He particularly loved taking an annual trip with friends to the Kool Deadwood Nites car show. In his later years, he had a passion for seeking out treasures at auctions whether it might be a Pyrex bowl, a select piece of carnival glass, a vintage mixer, or an orphan car. He was the family mechanic responsible for countless oil changes and repairs until his health prevented him from doing so. We will all miss him dearly. Rex was preceded in death by parents Gerald and Geneva Harvat Medley, brother; Dale Medley, son-in-law; Ryan Costanzo. He is survived by his wife of 61 years; Jolene, daughters; Christine Medley, Edith (Jerry) Hummel, Andrea Costanzo, Cara (Rony) Ortega. Grandsons; Jakob and Max Hummel, Tate and Sam Costanzo, Sebastian Ortega, granddaughters; Gabriela, Ariana and Natalia Ortega; sister; Carol Williams, brother Victor Medley; brother-in-law; Craig Snyder and many nieces, nephews and good friends. Visitation will be Thursday, August 31, 2023 10:30 – 11:30 am followed by a Celebration of Life Service at 11:30 am at the Jaynes Street Community Church (7534 Jaynes Street, Omaha NE 68134). Memorials suggested to Metropolitan Community College Foundation, Jaynes Street Community Church, or the Society of St. Vincent de Paul of Omaha.

Gerald Rex Medley

February 19, 1941 - August 6, 2023