Rex Dean Machacek

Rex D. Machacek, age 87, of Austin, Minnesota, passed away at home with family in the quiet early hours of April 30, 2026. He was born on November 19, 1938, to Irving and Helen (Schroeder) Machacek. Rex grew up in a neighborhood surrounded by his grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. He developed his passion for cars and work ethic by watching and working with his dad at their L&M garage. This fueled his love for restoring classic cars. Rex graduated from Austin High School Class of 1956. Like his dad, he was employed by the Hormel Company for more than 40 years. He married his roller-skating sweetheart, Mary Ann Werner, on July 12, 1958. Together they were loving parents to their girls, Lynn and Kelly. Rex and Mary worked at the Chateau Speedway for many years. They enjoyed fishing trips, traveling, camping, and gardening. They were married for 49 years, and Rex was an inspirational caregiver for Mary through her battle with terminal cancer. He married Sharon McCormack on January 5, 2012. They enjoyed playing cribbage, fishing, and traveling to Mexico. Rex also cared for Sharon until she passed. He was an avid Austin Bruins Hockey and Minnesota sports fan, fisherman, woodworker, biker, baker, and all-around handyman. His unwavering faith and love of family were his greatest accomplishments. Rex’s grandkids and great grandkids were his pride and joy, and he relished their visits and watching them grow up.

He is survived by his daughters, Lynn (Brian) Klapperick of Austin and Kelly (Patrick) Hansen of Burnsville; grandchildren, Jenni Klapperick (Jason), Jeff (Allison) Austin, Andy (Joanna) Klapperick, Katie (Christopher) Mueller, Gage (Megan) Hansen, Kristina Austin, and Jon Hansen; 14 great-grandchildren; sisters-in-law, Theresa Baldus and Karen Machacek; and many nieces and nephews. Sharon’s family, Jeff (Aimee) McCormack, Michele (Matt) Adams; six grandkids; and one great-grandchild.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wives, Mary and Sharon; brother, Earl Machacek; and his Werner family in-laws.

We will celebrate Rex’s life with a Memorial Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, at St. Augustine Catholic Church in Austin, Minnesota. The visitation will take place one hour prior to Mass. Interment will be in Calvary Cemetery, Austin, with a luncheon to follow at the church. Worlein-Hoff Funeral Homes of Austin are assisting the family with arrangements.