Rex Chevrolet-GMC: A Legacy of Excellence Since 1925
Rex Chevrolet Celebrates 100 years in 2025!
Rex Chevrolet GMC celebrated its 100th Anniversary on August 8, 2025, at the Odebolt Community Center with an appreciation dinner, car show, and prizes. The centennial celebration was an opportunity to recognize this remarkable milestone and to thank the many customers, employees, families, and members of the community who have supported Rex Chevrolet throughout its long history.
Rex Chevrolet is one of the oldest Chevrolet dealerships in the state of Iowa and has remained in the same family for more than 100 years. For over a century, the dealership has proudly served customers and families through northwest Iowa and beyond. The car dealership has had several different locations in downtown Odebolt over the years. The original location was at Third and Willow Street. The business later moved for a short time to the corner of First and Main Streets before moving into a new brick building on First Street in 1930.
In 1940, the company purchased a building at 213 Maple Street. The building was remodeled in 1945, and the dealership moved into the newly renovated facility. In 1950, a parts room was added, and in 1959, the company purchased the lot adjoining the building. In 1972, Ron purchased the land where the dealership is located today at 805 S Des Moines Street. A small building was constructed on the property in 1995, where both new and used vehicles were sold. In 2003, construction was completed on a large addition to the dealership, creating the facility that serves as the home of the business today on Highway 39 South.
Mark Hansen’s Rex Chevrolet GMC was honored for its 100-year milestone by the Iowa Automobile Dealers Association (IADA) in April 2025, with a banquet at Terrace Hill in Des Moines. Those in attendance were Mark and Pam Hansen, Chris and Paige Hansen, and Rachel and Casey Friedrichsen.
FLOYD W. REX DEALER 1925-1958
After serving in World War 1 (France), Floyd returned to Odebolt and worked in the service department of the Einspahr Buick Car Company. In 1922, Rex Tire and Battery Company was founded. In 1925, Floyd established Rex Auto Company, selling Chevrolet and Dodge vehicles. The Dodge franchise was dropped in 1929.
RONALD J. REX DEALER 1958-1989
Floyd’s son, Ron, also served in the military. After graduation from Drake University in 1954, Ron served from 1954-1958 in the United States Air Force as a pilot. He was also stationed overseas in France. In 1958, Ron and Elaine purchased the Chevrolet dealership, and he returned home to Odebolt. From 1979-1982, Ron also sold DeLorean Motor Cars (DMC). The GMC franchise was added in 1989.
MARK R. HANSEN DEALER 1989 TO PRESENT
Mark and Pam (Rex) Hansen were both raised in Odebolt and graduated from Odebolt-Arthur High School in 1973. After graduating from college, Mark was a branch manager of a local bank from 1977-1989. In 1989, Mark and Pam purchased Rex Chevrolet from Ron, beginning a new chapter in the dealership. Today, two of their five children, Chris Hansen and Rachel Friedrichsen, also work at the dealership continuing the family tradition. The Hansen family’s commitment now extends into its fourth generation.
Over 100 years of family ownership and service is an achievement worth celebrating, and Mark Hansen’s Rex Chevrolet GMC looks forward to continuing its tradition of serving Odebolt and Northwest Iowa for generations to come. Thank you to our customers, employees, and community for being part of our story.