John Walker

John A. Walker, 100, of Stanhope, died Thursday, June 21, 2012, at Crestview Senior Living in Webster City. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Webster City, with Rev. David Simonson officiating. Burial will be in the Evergreen Cemetery at Jewell. Visitation will be at the Foster Funeral and Cremation Center from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Sunday and prior to the service at the church on Monday. John A. Walker, son of Martin and Bertha Benson Walker, was born June 5, 1912 at Williams. He graduated from Williams high school in 1929, then attended Grinnell College and A.I.B. at Des Moines. After college, he worked for the J.C. Penney Company giving him the opportunity to travel around the country. He came back to Iowa where he settled on a farm near Williams and married Violet Michaels. To this union three children were born, John II, Nancy and Steven. They were later divorced. In October of 1971, he married Margaret Moeller at Boone and the couple resided at Stanhope. John was president of Farmer's State Bank in Stanhope for many years. He continued to farm throughout his years at the bank. He enjoyed politics and was elected to the state legislature where he served 20 years, first as a state representative then later as a state senator. John prided himself in becoming a successful banker and a passionate farmer through his life. He loved politics, taking care of his family, as well as being a grandfather and great-grandfather. He is survived by his wife, Margaret; sons and daughters-in-law, John and Pam Walker of West Des Moines; Steven and Mitsuko Walker of Salem, OR; son-in-law, Randy Putz of Schetz, TX; stepson, Lyle (Nancy) Moeller of Boone; stepdaughter, Elaine (Rich) Thomson of Altoona; six grandchildren; seven step-grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Nancy Walker Putz; brothers, Harold, Orvie and Claire Walker; sisters, Lulu, Hazel and Bernice and a brother in infancy. John has been an important part of many people's lives for over a century. He will be missed dearly and remembered always. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to St. Paul's Lutheran Church, L.C.M.S. World Missions or the Mayo Foundation. Write a personal tribute or light a virtual candle for the Walker family at www.fosterfuneralandcremation.com