Martha Serbousek

MARTHA ANN LIGHT SERBOUSEK Coggon Martha was born June 22, 1930, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, the daughter of Frank and Frances (Marek) Pesek. She passed away Sunday, Jan. 24, 2016. Martha graduated from Wilson High School in 1948. She married Ralph Light on Oct. 24, 1950, making their home in Coggon. Ralph passed away on May 22, 1970. On Nov. 1, 1981, she married James B. Serbousek. Jim passed away on March 16, 2010. Martha grew up on 21st Avenue in Cedar Rapids. She enjoyed SOKOL gymnastics, theater, working at Sykora Bakery and later on at WFLA. She and her husband, Ralph, owned and operated Light Implement in Coggon, where they raised their four children. Martha loved her family. She thoroughly enjoyed trips to and visits from her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Spending quality time with them was a highlight of her life. She enjoyed being called "Babi." She was proud of her Czech heritage. She enjoyed volunteering at the National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library. She was fluent in the Czech language and helped translate letters for people she didn't even know. She enjoyed multiple trips to the Czech Republic with her family and friends. Her lifetime dream was fulfilled in 2013 when she and her three children visited friends and family in the Czech Republic. Martha was an inspiration to us all. She modeled perseverance, especially during the difficult times of life. Her faith in Christ was what gave her strength. She was also a member of the United Parish in Coggon, where she served on various committees throughout the years. Martha is survived by two sons, Ronald (Wendy) Light of Warsaw, Mo., and their children, Ron (Kristina) Light Jr. of Kansas City, Mo., and Jeff Light of Springfield, Mo.; and son, Larry Light of Walton, N.Y.; and a daughter, Susan (Loren) Zumbach of Coggon and their children, Jennifer (Matt) Tyson of Chanhassen, Minn., and Brett Zumbach of Monticello; great-grandchildren, Emily, Kayla, Brielle and Lucy Light, Luke, Ashley, Daniel and Catherine Tyson; two stepchildren, Larry (Sandra) Serbousek and Carol (Norm) Russell; two stepgrandchildren, Mary Beth Russell and Nathan (Lindsay) Russell; and sister-in-law, Dorothy Mullaley. She was preceded in death by her brother, Frankie; parents; son, Paul Light; and great-granddaughter, Olivia Tyson. Family will greet friends from 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 27, at the United Parish Church in Coggon. Funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 28, at United Parish Church, Coggon, with visitation one hour before the service. Burial will be at Coggon Cemetery. A memorial fund has been established in Martha's memory. Please share a memory of Martha at www.murdochfuneralhome.com under obituaries.