Taylor Alexie
Taylor’s favorite quote says it all...“Fate rarely calls upon us at a moment of our choosing.” -Optimus Prime
Taylor began touching everyone’s hearts and leaving a lifetime impression on Oct. 20, 1992. He was born in Gretna, La., to Jules Jr. and Denise (Glesne) Alexie. Taylor passed away at his home in Elkader on Monday, May 31, 2021. Taylor was baptized on May 23, 1993, at St. Joachim Church in Crowne Point, La. His sponsors, or as we say down south, his “nanny” and “peran,” were Karen Alexie Henson and Jake Giardina. Taylor was confirmed April 1, 2007, at Peace United Church of Christ in Elkader. His confirmation verse was from Mark 9:23: “Anything is possible if a person believes.” This leads me to Taylor’s favorite memory, which was watching the New Orleans Saints win the Super Bowl as he was surrounded by his family and friends. His most influential individual was Drew Brees. Taylor said it was because Drew was a class act that invigorated his home region with his outstanding attitude and care for his community.
Taylor’s most prized possessions were his Saints memorabilia, his guitars, paintball gear, card collections, particularly his Pokémon collection, and his beloved cats, Tiger, Hobo, Jazz and Joey.
Taylor graduated from Central Community High School in May of 2011. His favorite teacher was Ms. Sue Stott because of her positive attitude, and her passion for helping students was unmatched. He later attended NEICC and attained an associate degree, which led him to landing a job as a deputy auditor for Clayton County. He was also a member of the Central Elkader School Board.
Taylor had a wide range of activities. Of course, number one was watching New Orleans Saints and LSU Tigers football. He loved spending time with his family and friends. He didn’t particularly like going to the gym to work out, but he loved the results. He loved paintball, playing his guitars and video games, going to the cinema, playing poker and anything associated with Marvel. He loved “Captain America.”
During these activities, when appropriate, as we all know, Taylor played “by the book.” He enjoyed sipping on a White Claw, vanilla Crown Royal, Captain Morgan orange vanilla twist and his famous iced coffee. Did I mention King Cake, crawfish and Boudin?
Taylor was very reserved and I’ll hear about revealing this to everyone later when we see each other again, but he absolutely loved “Barney the Dinosaur” and “Thomas the Train.” He was so genuinely soft-hearted. He actually cried tears of joy when the Saints won the Super Bowl and whenever Brees broke records.
My sweet boy is gone, and when he was greeted by his loved ones, I bet he started to run and shake his hands vigorously in his excitement, which was something he did from childhood into adulthood—as if he was going to lift off and take flight!
Well, my love, you’re soaring with the angels now. Be free! If love could have saved you, you’d be here with us. I love you—no end to it! See you soon.
Thank you for being you and protecting your beloved brother Peyton always, and especially during the time I was lost...I love you, sweet boy. Love, Mom.
Taylor is survived by his parents, Jules Alexie Jr. of Elkader and Denise Alexie of Strawberry Point; two brothers, Peyton Alexie of Iowa City and Jules Alexie III of Louisiana; grandparents, Eva Alexie of Lafitte, La., Linda and Maury Glesne of Elkader and Edward Knapp of Elkader; aunts and uncle, Lisa (Cord) Ruttly, Glen (Robin) Alexie, Robin (Ricky) Benoit and Julie Alexie; god daughter, Jules Tapie; and many friends.
Preceding Taylor in death were his grandfather, Jules Alexie Sr.; two aunts, Michelle Glesne and Karen Alexie Henson; and two uncles, Michael Glesne and Ashley Zar.
Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, June 12, at Peace United Church of Christ, Elkader. Funeral service will follow at 3 p.m., with Rev. Jon Haack officiating. Burial will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Iowa Donor Network.
