Walter Sterrett Jr

Walter Fred Sterrett Jr. of Marcus lost his battle with cancer and entered his heavenly home June 18th, 2014, at the age of 85. A Celebration of Life Service will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, June 23, 2014 at Grace United Methodist Church in Marcus. Rev. Ron Rice will officiate. Burial will follow at 2:30 p.m. at the Oak Hill Cemetery in Anthon, Iowa with military honors provided by McNiff Post #398 of the American Legion. Visitation with the family present will take place from 3-5 p.m. on Sunday, June 22, 2014 at the Earnest – Johnson Funeral Home in Marcus.

Walter Fred Sterrett, Jr. was born July 12, 1928 to Martha (Paulsen) and Walter F. Sterrett Sr, He was raised on a farm near Anthon, Iowa. Walt attended country school, graduated from Anthon High School, and went on to college at Dakota Wesleyan in Mitchell, SD.

Walt was drafted into the Army in 1951 and very proudly served his country for 2 years, stationed in Moji Port, Japan, during the Korean War. He was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal for exceptional work. When he had finished his service in the Army, he married the love of his life, Vera Crawford of Moville, Iowa, on Oct 3, 1953. They resided in Anthon where they raised 3 daughters, Lojean, Teresa, and Sonia.

Walt first worked for Groat Implement in Anthon selling John Deere machinery, and later for the First Trust & Savings Bank. Walt worked his way from Teller to Cashier & Managing Officer, then to President in 1972, working at the Anthon bank for over 30 years. During this time he was proud to be a part of designing a new bank building which opened in 1977. In 1985, he accepted a position at Farmers State Bank in Marcus, Iowa. Walt and Vera moved to Marcus in 1988 and he retired in 1996.

Walt was always very active in his community and church, serving on the Anthon school board, Anthon Town Council, Anthon Medical Clinic Board, Heartland Care Center Board in Marcus, Grand Meadow Heritage Center, and various church committees. He also served as a Lay Leader and Sunday school teacher in Anthon and enjoyed volunteering at the Marcus Fair. He was a member of the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Masonic Lodge, and Grace United Methodist Church.

Walt was the definition of a devoted family man, cherishing time spent with them. They were his pride and joy. Walt and Vera never missed any of their daughters activities from sports to concerts. He loved unconditionally and was quick to provide loving encouragement and wisdom. He was a very generous and humble man of great faith and a friend to all he encountered. He and Vera celebrated 60 years of marriage in October 2013….exemplary role models of true love and faithfulness.

Walt had a passion for farming. He loved sharing stories of working the land with his team of horses as a young man. He also enjoyed helping his son in law and local farmers plant and harvest their crops. Walt was an antique enthusiast and took pleasure in driving his antique tractors and cars in many parades over the years. His “red, white, and blue” tractor and the “John Deere D” were two favorites.
Walt felt blessed in every situation, always looking at the positive and always grateful. He was selfless, kind, honest, and hard working. He lived his life as the hands and feet of Christ, serving and helping others in need. He demonstrated his great love for God, family, and America in everything he did. Walt was a gentleman to the very end and he definitely left this world a better place. He will forever be his family’s Hero.

Left to celebrate his life and cherish his memory are his wife, Vera of Marcus; daughters, Lojean Petersen and husband Jim of Ames, Iowa; Teresa Bolton and husband Joe of Kingsley, Iowa; and Sonia Jones of Marcus, Iowa; 7 grandchildren, Sarah (Petersen) Buss with husband Nathan, Joshua Petersen with wife Jamie, Betsy Bolton, Britney (Bolton) Moore with husband Brody, Kurt Jones, Nick Jones, and Kristi Jones; 5 great- grandchildren, Joscelyn, Ireland, and Laiken Buss, Skylar Jones, and Blake Moore; sisters, Marion Speer of Sioux Center, Iowa and Shirley Beach and husband John of Navarre, Florida; and numerous nieces and nephews.