Brian J. Dixon, age 56, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family at home on Saturday, November 23, 2024 after a nine months’ long courageous battle with metastatic melanoma. The Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 am on Saturday, November 30 at Jesus Christ Prince of Peace Parish in Clinton, IA. Visitation will be from 3-7 pm on Friday, November 29 at Jesus Christ Prince of Peace and then from 9-10 am on Saturday, November 30 prior to the Mass. Burial will be at St. Irenaeus Calvary Catholic Cemetery. Casket bearers will be Jesse Lester; Nate Determan; Kyle, Nick, and Adam Luckritz; Sean and Keaton Connell; and Adam Adkins. The Pape Funeral Home is assisting.
Brian was born on Sunday, October 13, 1968 in Clinton, IA to Ronald and Geraldine “Gerry” (Pestka) Dixon. His birth occurred on the morning of the annual Hauntown Trail Ride, which his father led for the Clinton Horsemen’s Association for many years and, from then on, Brian was known as the “Hauntown Kid.”
Brian was a 1987 graduate of Northeast Community High School, and he attended St. Ambrose University, American Institute of Commerce, and Worsham College of Mortuary Science. He was Co-Executive Director of the Miss Clinton County Scholarship Program for 10 years, retiring in 2021 after serving on the board for 30 years. Brian worked for Frontier Hospitality Group from April 2006 to July 2021 at the Best Western Frontier in Clinton, IA; Best Western Plus Steeplegate Inn in Davenport, IA; and Holiday Inn Express in Moline, IL. He was also employed by Rotech Healthcare from July 2021 to July 2022, then Naeve Family Beef from July 2022 to August 2023 when the plant closed. Most recently, Brian was employed by the Clinton Veterinary Clinic. In addition, he was the owner/operator of Each Moment’s A Memory Event Planning and Consulting, through which he helped to execute and oversee the success of many events.
Brian was known as the “wedding singer” and it was his honor and privilege to have participated in thousands of weddings, funerals, and baptisms during his musical career. He eventually was ordained online which allowed him to witness many weddings of his friends and family. Brian was a selfless, faith-filled man who touched the lives of countless people as he offered his time, talent, and treasure without hesitation to those in need. He greatly loved making unforgettable memories by spending time with his family and friends, and he was surrounded with deep love and appreciation at what would soon after be called his “living wake” during an amazing Benefit Event on October 5, 2024.
Those left to remember him are his 2 sisters, Terese (David) Larres, Garner, NC; Sue (Rich) Meyer, Dubuque, IA; 2 brothers, David Dixon and Tim Dixon, Clinton, IA; 4 nieces and nephews, Lauren (Jordan) Rosales, Justin (Emily) Larres, Elise Larres, and Joseph Larres; 4 great-nephews, Jude Denton and Landon, Elijah and Dominic Larres; his godchildren, Lauren Larres, Jarek Connell, and Audrey Rice; along with many aunts, uncles and cousins.
The family would like to thank Jeanne Williams, who cared for Brian and was his personal nurse and friend, and Barb Foster for the same loving assistance. They also extend their appreciation to Dr. John Reith at University of Iowa Hospital for his gentle guidance during Brian’s illness, as well as St. Croix Hospice, especially Abby, Jamie, and Chaplain Michelle, who most graciously attended to Brian’s and his family’s needs. Particular appreciation goes to Dr. Nathan Eslick and his crew at the Clinton Veterinary Clinic, for their unfailing understanding and genuine concern for Brian’s wellbeing.
Preceding Brian in death are his parents, maternal and paternal grandparents, a very close cousin Marc Jost, and many aunts and uncles. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to The Cancer Society or the family’s wishes. Online condolences can be left at papefh.com.
Brian, I wish I could’ve been there to see you one last time. You were an amazing friend and leader, and you are already dearly missed. I’ll take what you taught me and pass it along for years to come. I’ll see you again, I promise.
We had fun memories made when we worked together-never a dull moment! May your light shine forever within the hearts of all who were blessed to know you.Your singing voice was truly a gift , as was your sense of humor.You will be missed sweet Brian -Heaven has you now ❤️
I am so sad that the world must now be without the gift of Brian.
When my kids were growing up, Brian was often on kid patrol in the Determan/Jost neighborhood. I learned then he was deeply committed to his family and friends.
His heart was much bigger than he was. His smile and hugs were endless. I will never forget his chuckle when he teased people.
I will treasure having been one of his many friends.
When your best friend comes to you on July 4th and says I wanted to tell you to your face I have stage 4 mastitis melanoma ,I was devastated ,to say the least ,and then I was like well I’m planning on throwing you the biggest benefit this town has ever seen and with the help of my committee we did just that !!! I’ll love u and miss u forever !!!
Your day was always a bit better if you ran into Brian.
I had the pleasure of working with Brian for many years at the Best Western Frontier, SteepleGate and Holiday Inn Express. I loved Brian Dixon!!! He had a real gift for Hospitality. He was also in a good mood everyday and made work so much fun. I could always count on Brian to get the job done. I never had to worry about the Guests not being taken care cause Brian would exceed their expectations. In the Hospitality business you put in a lot of hours and many weekends but Brian never complained. He just always had that smile on his face and grin like he knew something you didn’t know. I knew Brian touched a lot of people during his lifetime but going up to his benefit in Clinton blew me away! I told him, See how many people love you! I was blessed to have known him and gotten to work with him for so many years. He is truly one of a kind. Godspeed Brian Dixon. I will never forget you…
Brian moved things around to sing at my mom’s funeral. Those 2 loved picking on each other but mom always said she wanted Brian to sing when she passed and he was right there to help our family. This is one of his helpless acts he preformed every day. I value the last conversation we had. He will be missed. Fly high Brian!!
Jill and I are deeply saddened. Brian was indeed as truly wonderful person. We are so sorry for the family. We do hope you do well on your grief journey. Many blessings.