Rex Mhiripiri

Rex Mhiripiri, beloved husband, father, grandfather, artist, businessman, and man of deep Christian faith, passed away on March 9, 2026, at the age of 90. Born Stanlake Mhiripiri in 1935 in what was then Rhodesia, Rex rose from humble beginnings through a sharp mind, a love of learning, and remarkable determination. He walked long distances to school, excelled academically, and attended the respected Goromonzi boarding school. His early life spanned southern and eastern Africa, where he worked as a teacher, salesman, analyst, and broadcaster before emigrating to the United States in 1966. Throughout his journey of adventure, hardship, and giftedness, Rex remained guided by a steadfast Christian faith, often testifying to the power of grace and redemption.

Rex shared 53 years of marriage with his beloved wife, Julie. Together they raised a large and loving family. He was the proud father of nine children: Dave, John, Rhoda (Frank), Mudzingwa (Ebony), Rugare (Mark), Maruva (Steve), Regina, Titus (Angela), and Maria (Jason). He was the cherished grandfather of ten grandchildren: Nick, Jonah, Isaiah, Ava, Laura, Kaleb, Sterling, Nyla, Maddie, and Reese, each of whom brought him tremendous joy and pride. A strong and disciplined patriarch, Rex was deeply devoted to his family and committed to helping them build lives of purpose, education, faith, and service.

For more than 25 years, Rex made his home in Bloomington, Minnesota, after living in Lakeville for 20 years. He became widely known for his entrepreneurial spirit and artistic talent as the owner of Mhiripiri Art Gallery, which he operated for over 40 years, first at Butler Square in downtown Minneapolis and later at 90th and Penn in Bloomington. Through the gallery, he shared beauty, culture, and vision with the community while creating opportunities to support artists and loved ones in Minnesota and Zimbabwe. His work stood as a testament to his creativity, resilience, and refusal to let adversity define him.

Rex will be remembered as a man of testimony who lived many chapters, knew both hardship and success, and ultimately gave glory to God. He treasured time with his family, prayed earnestly for the protection of his children and grandchildren, and believed deeply in the power of faith to transform lives. His full and remarkable legacy will live on through his beloved Julie, his children and grandchildren, his art, and the many people touched by his story.