John Louis Walker
November 17, 1941 ~ July 9, 2014
John Louis Walker, 72, passed away at his home on July 9, 2014, after a hard, long illness. A Celebration of Life will be held from 1-5 p.m. on Saturday, July 19, at the Hiawatha American Legion, 207 Robins Road, Hiawatha. John is survived by his wife of 45 years, Bev Walker; 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 November 17, 1941, to Elvin 'Shorty' and Sarah Walker. He graduated from Anamosa High School and then served in the US Marine Corps and fought in the Vietnam War. On November 16, 1968, he married Bev McKay in Brainerd, Minnesota. 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, and the nurses and staff at Hospice of Mercy and the Cedar Rapids VA Clinic for their care and compassion during John's illness.
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Johnny was one of the most loyal, loving and kindest friends we have ever known. It is a relief to not have John suffering any more, but he sure leaves a big hole here on earth where he stood. He will NEVER EVER BE FORGOTTEN…respect for John, and the undaunted way he stood behind what he knew to be fair and true, stretches from earth to heaven where he is now. With our love, Wayne and Judy
John was the best father and grand father anybody could ever ask for !!! Although I am in tears… he taught me to be strong and to provide for my kiddos… He loved my family so much and I will always be grateful that I was blessed to have him in my life !!! I love you dad… RIP
Thinking of you, Bev and family. We extend are deepest sympathy to you. John will be missed by many.
Mr. Ornery
It has been our pleasure to be neighbors with the Walker clan at Holiday Lake for quite some time. The make up of the family has changed through the years as children and grandchildren spent their summers on the lake. In time they all grew up and started families of their own. From one week to the next you could never be sure who all would be at the Walker house but John and Bev were sure to be there. The one constant I could always count on however, was the guff I was sure to get from Johnny the minute we arrived for the weekend. His eyes would light up and his mouth would engage. He was on me about the vehicles I would drive, the fish I would or would not catch or the success of my favorite team during any given season. John was not happy if he wasn’t giving me the business. Of course I would try to give back in equal doses, but John was a worthy adversary and I was usually over matched. The verbal jousting was always in fun and he was a wonderful neighbor. John was always quick to lend a hand with our numerous projects. Whether physically or with his expertise, Johnny’s input was always helpful and most appreciated.
We will always look forward to the company of the Walker family at Holiday Lake, but I will miss my partner in antagonism.
Rest in Peace my friend
My condolences to the entire Walker family. I am a Viola friend of John’s sister Janice and, although I didn’t know John well, I knew the Walker family and thought they were wonderful. I am grieved by all the losses in your family and want you to know that I will be praying comfort and peace for each of you as you walk through this difficult time.