Mark Robert Sexter, 72, died on Sunday, July 26, 2026, at Traditions in Owatonna, MN.
Mark was born on July 8, 1954 to Robert and Evangeline (Nix) Sexter in Owatonna, MN. He was the oldest of four, and was rambunctious! He grew up on a dairy farm and loved fixing tractors.
Mark was a veteran of the Vietnam Era. He served in the Army from Feb 3, 1972 to May 29, 1974. He completed basic training in Fort Knox, Kentucky. He served in Germany before returning to Fort Gordon military base in Augusta, GA. He was honorably discharged, ranking Specialist E-4, Mechanical Maintenance. After being discharged from the service, Mark found his passion for driving trucks. Eventually the desire to return to Minnesota moved him back to Owatonna. He worked for Massey Ferguson as a diesel mechanic before taking to the road and being a professional truck driver. Mark worked for many trucking companies over the course of his lifetime and in doing so, gained many friends and acquaintances. I’m sure there are many waitresses in various truck stops that will remember Mark. Two very special friends in Mark’s life that spent many hours on the phone with Mark as they were driving down the road were Owen (Odie) Michaelson and Bob Walters.
Mark married Dawn Groos on July 31, 1993 and they had one daughter, Audrey Stone. Mark and Dawn built a life together filled with love, laughter, and unwavering devotion to one another. They shared more than 30 years of marriage before Dawn’s passing in 2023, a loss that Mark carried deeply for the rest of his life.
Mark’s proudest moments and memories came from his wife Dawn and his daughter Audrey. He worked incredibly hard throughout his life to make sure that his wife, Dawn, and their daughter, Audrey, were always cared and provided for. The countless miles he spent on the road were a testament to the deep love and commitment he had for his family.
Mark was a proud father to Audrey and together they enjoyed spending time in their basement woodworking shop, heading out for target practice, and picking out movies to watch together. He had a larger-than-life personality and a booming sense of humor—often waking Audrey with his unforgettable gorilla call, a memory that will always bring a smile. Those ordinary moments together became some of life’s most treasured memories.
Mark’s proudest accomplishment was being Dawn’s husband and Audrey’s father. The love he had for his family was constant, quiet, and evident in the sacrifices he made every day. Many of his favorite memories with them will remain cherished by those who knew and loved him.
Upon retirement, Mark enjoyed sitting in his garage discussing various topics with his brother Keith who left this world in February of this year. He also liked visiting and sharing a cup of coffee with his brother Tom. The three brothers didn’t always have the same viewpoint!
When Mark’s health took him from the country to his residence here in Owatonna, Mark was extremely grateful to his sister Sharon for taking care of the necessities. The conversations weren’t as exciting or colorful as when he was with “the guys”.
Mark is survived by his daughter Audrey Stone and her husband Scott; brother, Tom Sexter and his wife Janelle; sister Sharon Farrier and her husband Terry; father-in-law, Dean Groos; brother-in-law Darin Groos and his wife Karmen; brother-in-law, Lyle Groos; and many nieces and nephews, aunts and cousins.
Mark was preceded in death by his wife, Dawn; parents, Robert and Evangeline; and brother, Keith.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be given to the family.
A celebration of life will be from 1-4pm on Friday, September 4, 2026 at Rochester Cremation Services, 1605 Civic Center Drive NW, Rochester.
Rochester Cremation Services is assisting with arrangements.
Memories and condolences of Mark may be shared at rochestercremationservicesmn.com
