Michael Stephen Sexton

MICHAEL STEPHEN SEXTON

Van Nuys, Calif.

Our beloved Brother, Father, Grandpa and friend to thousands, was spiritually uplifted through Heaven's Door on Feb. 12, 2021. He received the last rites with Bobby (brother) and Rachael (daughter) by his side in Los Angeles, Calif. He was loved by so many and kept in contact with family and friends all over the world. We loved him dearly and miss him greatly. Words just escape the loneness in my heart.

Born to Robert C. and Betty Lou Sexton on Sept. 30, 1948, in Cresco, Iowa, Michael grew up on a farm until 1955 when the family moved to Cedar Rapids. Michael had a paper route, loved Cream of Wheat for breakfast and loved reading anything he could get his hands on. We grew up with Dad playing the accordion and Michael and Colleen playing the violin that Grandpa Hauber had passed down to us and Bobby learning to play the accordion. Our grandparents would love when we would come to visit, as it was always a live concert in their living room. When Dad and Mom would go visit friends who own taverns, it was the Sexton kids always playing and getting the crowd to dance and sing along. What a great childhood we had. Michael graduated from Linn-Mar High School and attended Kirkwood Community College and College in Alaska.

I remember the Christmas Michael received his first guitar. He would sit on his bed and play Elvis songs. He was hooked and music became his life. Michael was the Music Director for some of the top groups in the area, playing all throughout Iowa, Illinois, Minnesota and Wisconsin. Michael was inducted into the Iowa Rock 'n Roll Music Association Hall of Fame in 2006 with "The Stompers." Some of the bands included The Beach Combers, Frontier Rock & Gravel, Rock 'n Roll Boogie Band, Sexton and some others. At the time of his death, Bobby and Michael were working on getting "The Sexton Brothers Band" back together. Michael had just written a new song and they were making plans on recording it. Michael was truly a gifted and amazing music artist and an art artist. He loved being Irish. "His Irish Eyes are Smiling."

Michael worked for Mernards and many customers only wanted to have Michael help them design what they had in mind. Landscaping was another thing of beauty he could do. He loved plants, flowers and trees, and could change a patch of weeds into the most beautiful setting ever. He had a great eye for design. Then at Hy-Vee his culinary chef came alive. He could and would try all sorts of new spices and dishes. My brother could do everything. Michael loved to travel. He especially loved going to Vietnam. When younger he traveled from Atlanta, Ga., to Alaska and all points in between.

Michael is survived by his siblings, Colleen Marie (Ron) Rouse, Mesa, Colo., and Robert A. (Bobby) (Liz) Sexton, Playa Del Rey, Calif.; and his children, Ryan Beltz and Rachael Beltz; granddaughter, Scarlett, Cedar Rapids, Iowa; and his beloved and faithful dog, "Lamb Chop."

He was preceded in death and welcomed into heaven by his parents, Robert C. and Betty Lou Sexton; grandparents, Albert and Alice Hauber and Steven Sexton and Mary McCormick Sexton Cassell; along with several aunts, uncles and cousins.

The family is hoping to have a celebration of Michael's life sometime this summer/fall in Iowa when we are all COVID-safe. God Bless all whom have loved my brother and been his friend for years, I know he loved each and every one of you and enjoyed talking to you all. Michael's smile and gentle spirit will be missed by all who knew him.

Donations to your local burn centers, in Michael's name.