MADISON - Rex Mapanao Dulay died unexpectedly in his sleep at home in Madison, on Monday, Dec. 6, 2021, at the tender age of 48. But his life started halfway around the world when he was born to Imelda Mapanao and Calixto Dulay, Jr. in Cotabato, Philippines.

Growing up, Rex loved to tinker with everything and was always motivated to excel in school. He was the valedictorian in elementary and high school. Inspired by his older sister who was a nurse, he went on to study nursing himself at Notre Dame University in Cotabato.

While pursuing a master's degree in nursing at Ateneo de Davao, he bravely decided to embark on a new journey when he accepted employment as a registered nurse at the University of Wisconsin Hospital in Madison, Wis., in 2003. He found this calling rewarding and fulfilling as he was able to help countless numbers of people at the hospital for the last 18 years.

His life took another fortuitous turn when he met and fell in love with Rowena (nee Bayo), also a nurse. The two got married in the Philippines in 2009. Shortly after that, Rowena joined Rex in Madison, and they promptly started a family. Rex’s happiness was undoubtedly centered on family life with Rowena and their daughters, Isabelle Victoria and Margaux Olivia. Doting on his three "girls," he thoroughly enjoyed being a husband and a father. As a family, they were fond of going on road trips across the USA and returning to the Philippines to visit relatives and friends.

Rex never stopped being an avid DIYer, often using such talents to help friends and neighbors. He also had a green thumb, but he was aided by his little girls in tending their gardens that produced bountiful vegetables and flowers without fail every year. He loved to crack jokes and was a humble, soft-spoken person, belying his kindness and generosity with everybody.

Rex is survived by his wife, Wheng, as Rex called her; daughters, Isabelle Victoria and Margaux Olivia; mother, Imelda; siblings, Calixto III (Haidee) and children (Imelda Christine and Calixto IV), Rhodora (Melchor) Abejero and children (Sophia Marie and Doreen Ayne), Twinkle Dulay, and Leland (Cheryl) and children (Lencey and Leyan); and the Bayo family, nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends. He was preceded in death by his father, Calixto Jr.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at ST. DENNIS CATHOLIC CHURCH, 505 Dempsey Road, Madison, at 5 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 13, 2021. Family and friends who wish to view the Mass via LIVE STREAM may visit Rex’s obituary page at www.gundersonfh.com and click on the view Live Webcast Link at 5 p.m. on Monday. Visitation will be held at the church from 3 p.m. until the time of the Mass on Monday.

“Ni Apo Dios ti mangkuyog kenka, Rex.” May you rest in peace.

Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson East

Funeral & Cremation Care

5203 Monona Drive

(608) 221-5420

Rex Dulay

February 08, 1973 - December 06, 2021

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