Rex Allen Hartzell

Rex Allen Hartzell, 93, of Topeka, Kansas passed away on November 28th, 2025, at Midland Hospice House surrounded by loved ones.

Rex was born May 5th, 1932, in Los Angeles, California, the son of Carl and Emily (Drake) Hartzell. Rex graduated from Sutter Creek High School in 1950. After high school Rex worked for California’s forestry service hand cutting trees.

In 1951 Rex’s sense of duty led him to enlist in the United States Navy. He honorably served in the Korean War on the U.S.S. Philippine Sea working on aircraft electronics and radar. He rose to the rank of Petty Officer First Class before discharging in April 1955. Rex dedicated himself to the service of his country with both courage and commitment-a reflection of principles that guided him throughout his life.

After the Navy he returned to California and worked for Aerojet in Sacramento. He then went on to Tri-State College in Angola, IN, where he earned his Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering.

On June 19th, 1960, while still in college, he married his best friend and love of his life, Donna JoAnn Porter. Together they raised three kids. The bond they shared lasted more than 50 years and held a special place in Rex’s heart even after Donna's passing in 2017.

Rex proudly worked for The Menninger Foundation for 32 years as an Electronics Engineer and headed the Biomedical Engineering Lab before retiring in 1992. Both during his tenure with Menninger and following his retirement, he ventured into entrepreneurship where he partnered in an electronics company named Systec in Lawrence, KS and started his own company called Rex Instruments.

Rex embraced life with a spirit of adventure. He enjoyed fishing on his boat, woodworking projects, camping, and working on cars- especially his ‘66 Volkswagen and his son’s ‘64 Volkswagen-with the ’65 parked nearby for parts! He was very handy – if something was broken, he wanted to fix it and he would do whatever it took to make that happen. He was also an active member of First Congregational Church of Topeka where he contributed his time and talents assisting with church audio/visual equipment.

Despite his many accomplishments, Rex remained kind and humble. He always told his family to think before you speak, or act - wisdom instilled with them forever. Known for his spirited personality, he was stubborn and spunky, but in the best way. His playful comeback to the question “Can I?” was met with a, “I don’t know—CAN you?”

Survivors include his three children, son Allen (Catherine) Hartzell of Phoenix, AZ, daughter Susan Hartzell of Topeka, KS, and son Dan (Andrea) Hartzell of Topeka, KS, as well as grandchildren Grace (Dakota), Emily (Lyndsey), Caitlon, and Zachary and great-grandsons Hudson and Ari. Rex is also survived by his sister Martha Bonham and numerous nieces and nephews. All of whom will miss him very much.

He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Donna, parents Emily and Carl, stepfather Glen “Pops” Oliver, and his brothers Carl Hartzell and Leonard Hartzell.

Visitation will take place on Friday, December 12th from 2:00-3:00 p.m. at First Congregational Church of Topeka, 1701 SW Collins Ave, Topeka, KS 66604. Funeral services begin at 3:00 p.m. with Pastor Tobias Schlingensiepen officiating. Private family burial will take place at Memorial Park Cemetery in Topeka, Kansas at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials be made in Rex’s name to Midland Hospice Care or the American Cancer Society.

Rex’s profound legacy of love, kindness, and dedication will continue to live on in the hearts of all who were fortunate to know him.

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