John Sexton

John Milton Sexton, age 82, of Shakopee, formerly of Belle Plaine, passed away peacefully at St. Francis Hospital in Shakopee on January 1, 2024. Visitation will be held at 10:00 am with a memorial service at 11:00 am on Saturday, January 13, 2024, at the Kolden Funeral Home in Belle Plaine.  A luncheon will be held at the VFW following interment with military honors at Sacred Heart Cemetery.

John was born on January 28, 1941, in Butterfield, Minnesota, to Eldon and Eileen (Nelson) Sexton. He grew up near LeSueur and the surrounding area.  From 1958 to 1962, John served in the United States Army 1st Infantry Division.  On July 10, 1965, he married Marilyn Farrell at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Belle Plaine.  Together, they had two children, Valerie and Christopher.  John worked for years in construction and finished out his career with the Eden Prairie School District.

John enjoyed doing many different things during his life.  He loved hunting and fishing.  These hobbies were the most enjoyable for him when he did them with his family, especially his grandchildren.  John also enjoyed building things with his hands.  He completed his own basement, as well as his children’s, all with unique fireplaces.   He built the “deer shack” with his brother Russ, his son, son-in-law and Russ’s son-in-law, Brian Welk.  There were many memories made there and the grandchildren loved their time at the deer shack.  John was the one his family depended on to fix anything.

John loved to be outdoors and was always up for a new adventure.  He and Christopher took part in the Civil Air Patrol.  He spent many hours on the lakes with his family and even got up on water skis at the age of 67.  At age 75, John went skydiving with his grandson Jack.  He also took part in the Polar Plunge and Color Run to support good causes.

John will be sadly missed by his wife, Marilyn; children, Valerie (Joe) Edberg of Shakopee and Christopher (Amy) Sexton of Rockville; grandchildren, Jack (Sydney Haglund) Edberg, Hannah Edberg, Dylan (Special friend, Abby Timp) Sexton and Lauren Sexton; sister, Sharon Harrell of Chaska and brother, Tom (Mary) Sexton of Cologne; sisters-in-laws, Charlotte Farrell of Waconia and Marge Farrell of Glencoe; brother-in-law, Steve Born of Chaska and several nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Eldon and Eileen Sexton; In-laws, Leonard and Alice Farrell; sisters, Shirley (Sexton) Quast, Sue (Sexton) Born, and brother, Russell Sexton; brother-in-laws, Boyce Harrell, Ken Farrell, Bob Farrell.