Francis Michael Sutton, "Mike", 64, of Le Mars, Iowa entered into perfect peace on Thursday, October 6, 2016 at Mercy Medical Center in Sioux City, Iowa. Funeral services will take place at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, October 9, 2016 at the Mauer – Johnson Funeral Home in Le Mars. Gospel Hall members will officiate. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery in Le Mars. Visitation will begin at 12:00 p.m. on Sunday, October 6 at the funeral home.

Mike Sutton was born on May 6, 1952 in Le Mars, Iowa, the son of Francis and Katherine (Jager) Sutton. Mike was a gifted musician, athlete and Biblical Scholar. After graduating from Le Mars High School, Mike earned a BA degree in Biology from Westmar College in Le Mars. He pursued a varied work career that included the stockyards, quality control at Wells Blue Bunny (where he met his wife, Maria) and ownership of rental properties in Le Mars and Sioux City, Iowa. He also spent several years as a professional photographer in Sioux City where he enjoyed recording weddings, graduations and other joyous moments in peoples’ lives.

A devoted Christian, husband, father, grandfather, friend and provider, Mike had a generous spirit and an irresistible laugh. With a lively sense of humor, he took a delight in proclaiming himself “the handsomest photographer in the State of Iowa.” Yet he might often be found quietly playing his own compositions on the piano or engrossed in a passage from Scripture.

Left to cherish his memory is his devoted wife, Maria of Le Mars, IA; son, Ben; his children and grandchildren who called him Papa, Yvette (Bryan) and Adam (Lupita), Sabastian, Kiara and Joshua; two sisters, Denise (Brian) and Carol (Jay); brothers, Bernie and Harlan Mertens; and many dear friends at the Gospel Hall.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Francis and Katherine Sutton, his brother Terry and his sister, Margaret Ann in infancy.

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