Watkinson, Walter

Walter Watkinson, 96, of Riverside, passed away Wednesday, May 1, 2013, at Parkview Manor in Wellman. The funeral service for Walter will be 10:30 a.m. Saturday, May 4, at Sorden-Lewis Home for Funeral and Cremation Services in Riverside. Pastor Doug Cue will officiate. Burial will be in Mount Olivet Cemetery. Visitation will be Friday from 4 to 7 p.m. at the funeral home.

Walter Samuel Watkinson was born April 20, 1917, in rural Johnson County, the son of Ovie and Elizabeth (Slaughter) Watkinson. On June 26, 1941, Walter was united in marriage to Dorothy Colbert in Riverside. Walter was a groundskeeper for the University of Iowa for 13 years. He also was a foreman at Protein Blenders for 13 years and farmed most of his life.

He enjoyed fishing, hunting, and watching sports. Walter's grandkids were the lights of his life, and he loved attending their sporting events.

Walter will be deeply missed by his wife, Dorothy of Riverside; three daughters, DeAnn Knebel and her husband, Loren, of Riverside, Betty Hamilton and her husband, Charles, of Cedar Rapids, and Sue Hall of Riverside; one son, Bill Watkinson and his wife, Karla, of Kalona; eight grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; one brother, Evan Watkinson and his wife, Norma, of West Branch; and one sister, Shirley King and her husband, Ron, of Iowa City.

Walter was preceded in death by his parents; three sisters, Alice Matthes, Edna Heitzman and Mary Gerot; one brother, Pearl Watkinson; and one great-grandson, Brant Hamilton.

A memorial fund has been established at the funeral home in memory of Walter.

Online condolences for the Watkinson family may be sent to www.lewisfuneralhomes.com.

Published May 3, 2013 in The Gazette