Walter F. Stevens

Walter Franklin Stevens, son of Ora Stevens and Blanche Pride Stevens, was born September 28, 1925 in Fort Dodge, Iowa and died June 12, 2011 at the Greene County Medical Center, Jefferson, Iowa at the age of 85 years 8 months, and 15 days. Walters funeral was held at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, June 16, 2011 at Hastings Funeral Home in Jefferson. Iowa. The Reverend Gordon Moen of the First Presbyterian Church in Jefferson, Iowa provided the word of comfort, the casket bearers were Tim Caltrider, Chad Stevens, Trevor Stevens, Troy Burgoon, Cameron Stevens, Darryl Luther, Zach Stevens, Garrett Stevens, Tanner Stevens and Rudy Burgman. His honorary casket bearers were his grand daughters. His music was On The Wings of A Snow White Dove, The Rose and Daddy's Hands. Military rites were provided by Patriotic Guard Riders. Everyone went to Grand Junction for a time of lunch and fellowship at the Grand Junction Community Center after the service. Walter received his education in Rippey and in Perry. He served in the U. S. Army for nine years during World War II and the Korean Conflict. He was honorably discharged in 1952 and then served in the Naval Reserves. Walter married Inez Lorraine Hardin on October 8, 1952 and they were blessed with 11 children. Walter and Inez lived in Tulare, California where they worked on dairy farms. They later lived in Perry, Boone, and 20 years ago moved to Grand Junction. Walter worked for the Wiese Foundry in Perry and retired from Quinns Machine Foundry in Boone. He enjoyed fishing, working on cars, camping, and playing cards with his grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, daughter Pam Stevens; son Robert Stevens; grandson Jack Loder; son-in-law Dan McGuire; four sisters and two brothers. Walter is survived and lovingly remembered by his wife of 58 years, Inez; daughters, Winnie Caltrider and husband Bill of Adair; Evelyn Cunningham and husband Jerry of Boone; Jackie Madesen and friend Rod Bergman of Lanyon; June McGuire of Grand Junction; and Mary Luther and husband Glen of Grand Junction; sons, Walt "Butch" Stevens and wife Cindy of Perry; Forrest "Fuzz" Stevens and wife Natalie of Boone; Russ Stevens and wife Deana of Boxholm; and Chris Stevens and wife Tracy of Lanyon; 26 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; brother Everett Stevens of Leon and Deanna Freeman of Virginia; nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends. Memorial in His name may be sent to Hastings Funeral Home in Jefferson.