Funeral Services for Rex Thomas Drueke, age 4, of O'Neill will be 10:30 am Thursday, March 8, 2018 at Christ Lutheran Church in O'Neill with burial in the O'Neill Cemetery. Rev. John Nelson will officiate.

Visitation will be from 5-8 pm Wednesday, March 7, 2018 at Biglin's Mortuary in O'Neill with a 7 pm prayer service.

Rex passed away on Saturday, March 3, 2018.

Memorials may be directed to the family for future designation. Biglin's Mortuary in O'Neill is in charge of arrangements.

Rex was born Jan. 13, 2014, to Craig and Stephanie (Miller) Drueke. Rex was a free spirit who loved life, his family, and anyone he met. He filled a room with his smile, his love and his humorous answers to questions. He warmed hearts with his huge hugs and "I 'wuv' yous."

Rex loved spending time with his family. He was his mommy's shadow and often just a half step behind her, making sure she was okay. He was eager to go anywhere with his dad, and especially enjoyed spending time on the farm with him and his brother to help feed the cows. He enjoyed skiing, sledding, spending time at Deer Camp and at the "cavin" by the lake in Minnesota, riding in the jeep, the Ranger and on the pontoon.

Rarely was Rex not with his older brother, Wyatt, doing what brother-buddies do: wrestling, playing games, watching videos, and bringing joy to anywhere they were with their laughter. Being the younger brother for four years, Rex couldn't wait to become an older brother himself.

He was all about becoming a fireman when he grew up, just like Papa Roger, and beamed whenever he had the chance to put on a fireman's helmet or ride on the truck.

He enjoyed going to Leap Preschool with his friends and was always one to remember the Christ Light lesson for the day. A few days before his death, when asked what the Christ Life lesson was, Rex replied that it was about how the disciples didn't want to be bothered with the children, but God said, "Children, come with me." Rex ran into the arms of Jesus and is sitting on his grandpas' laps in heaven. He will forever be our special angel.

Pallbearers are Willie Drueke, Tony Drueke, Blaine Drueke, Aron Parks and Robbie Sudbeck. Honorary pallbearers are all of Rex's cousins, friends and Leap Preschool classmates.

Rex is survived by his parents, Craig and Stephanie (Miller) Drueke; brother, Wyatt, one sister to be born in July; grandparents Pat Drueke and Roger and Mary Miller; great-grandparents Betty Mahannah and Jerry Miller, all of O'Neill; aunts and uncles, Liz and Aron Parks of O'Neill, Jolene and Chad Rosenkrans of O'Neill, Cathy and Tim Wells of O'Neill, Janelle and Mike Sargent of Grand Island, Blaine and Vanessa Drueke of Alvo, Corine and Eric Parks of Land O'Lakes, Fla., Cindy and Mike Jakubowski of Emmet, Tony and Beth Drueke of Naper, Kelli and Nick Dannenbring of O'Neill, and Willie and Holly Drueke, of O'Neill; many cousins and his special preschool friends.

Rex was preceded in death by his grandfather Tom Drueke and great-grandparents Don Mahannah and Barb Miller.