Rex Mhiripiri

Rex Mhiripiri, beloved husband, father, grandfather, artist, businessman, and man of deep Christian faith, passed away on March 9, 2026. After 90 years of a full life, Rex is leaving a remarkable legacy of perseverance, redemption, creativity, generosity, and love. Born Stanlake Mhiripiri in 1935 in what was then Rhodesia, Rex was shaped by humble beginnings, a sharp mind, and an early love of learning. From walking long distances to school and excelling academically, to attending Goromonzi, one of the most respected boarding schools of his time, Rex carried throughout his life a fierce intelligence and a determination to rise beyond circumstance. In 1966, Rex emigrated to the United States, bringing with him a rich life story that had already spanned southern and eastern Africa, where he had worked as a teacher, salesman, analyst, and broadcaster. His path had been marked by adventure, hardship, giftedness, and struggle, but also by the steady hand of God. Rex loved the Lord and devoted himself to serving Him, often reflecting on how grace had changed him and how no life is beyond redemption. Rex and his beautiful wife Julie were married for 53 years. 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 also 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. Though he was known as a strong and disciplined patriarch, he was also 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, also living in Lakeville for 20 years before moving back to Bloomington. He became widely known through his art and entrepreneurial spirit, most notably as the owner of Mhiripiri Art Gallery which he operated for over 40 years, first at Butler Square in downtown Minneapolis, and then for the last 20 years at 90th and Penn in Bloomington. Through his gallery, he shared beauty, culture, and vision with the wider community, while also creating opportunities to support artists and loved ones in Minnesota and in 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: a man who lived many chapters, who knew hardship and success, and who ultimately gave glory to God for the life he had been given. He treasured time, prayed earnestly for the protection of his children and grandchildren, and believed that a person could change through faith. His life was not simple. It was full. His legacy will live on through his beloved Julie, his children and grandchildren, his art, and the many people who were touched by his story. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, March 28 at Grace Church in Eden Prairie (9301 Eden Prairie Road). Visitation will begin at 11:00am followed by a one-hour service at 12:00. After the service, all are invited to the Mhiripiri Art Gallery (9001 Penn Ave S, Bloomington) for an Open House in Rex's honor from 2:00 - 5:00, with catering provided by the gallery's neighbor, Gyropolis. The service will be livestreamed: Grace.live/memorial. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to honor Rex's legacy may contribute through his family's GoFundMe, at: https://gofund.me/f07bb007b to support education tuition, medical expenses, clean water wells, and subsistence farming in Zimbabwe. Rex would be honored to know that on March 28, 2026, his family and friends continued his spirit of generosity.

Tributes

Rex Mhiripiri

July 23, 1935 - March 9, 2026

Tributes

Rex Mhiripiri

July 23, 1935 - March 9, 2026

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