John Walker

JOHN WALKER

Cedar Rapids

John Louis Walker, 72, passed away at his home on July 9, 2014, after a hard, long illness. A Celebration of Life will be from 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday, July 19, at the Hiawatha American Legion, 207 Robins Rd., Hiawatha.

John is survived by his wife of 45 years, Bev Walker; his children, Christie (Mike) Sevey, Dena (Bill) Brown and Matt (Dusty) Walker; grandchildren, Andrea (Andrew), Trevor (Holly), Brittany, Megan, Kyle and Kody; great-grandson, Bennett; brothers, Elvin, George (Arlene), Ed, Ivan (Jana) and Jeri (Dawn); sisters, Dianne Foster, Barb (Dave) Colehour and Kathy Walker (Rick); brothers-in-law, Merlin Oetken, Jim McKay (Donna) and John (Peggy) McKay; sisters-in-law, Peggy Walker and Jane Herron; special cousins, Jim and Mary Herb; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Elvin "Shorty" and Sarah; brothers, David and Mike; and sister, Janice Oetken.

He was born Nov. 17, 1941, to Elvin "Shorty" and Sarah Walker. He graduated from Anamosa High School and then served in the U.S. Marine Corps and fought in the Vietnam War. On Nov. 16, 1968, he married Bev McKay in Brainerd, Minn. He worked for Wilson's Foods and then retired from Altorfer Machinery after 30 years.

He enjoyed his time with family and friends, especially many vacations and great times at Holiday Lake.

John was a member of the Hiawatha American Legion Post.

The family extends a special thank you to Dr. Wienman and his nursing staff, Dr. Brownell and his nursing staff, the nurses and staff at Hospice of Mercy and the Cedar Rapids VA Clinic for their care and compassion during John's illness.

Please sign the online guest book and share a memory about John at www.stewartbaxter.com.