Walter Light

Walter John Light was born Aug. 22, 1938 to George Arthur Light and Ethel Marie (Setterstrom) Light in Iowa City. He grew up in rural Gowrie and rural Calendar. Walt graduated from Gowrie High School in 1956 and farmed with his family for several years. He joined the United States Iowa Army National Guard in 1957 as well as enrolling in mechanic school at Southeast Community College in 1961. Walt married the love of his life, Claudia Marie Leonard, on Aug. 28, 1962 in Milford, Nebraska. He graduated from mechanic’s school in 1963. After being honorably discharged on June 17, 1964, the couple moved to Grand Junction,. They were blessed with three children, Keith, Charlene, and Ryan. Walt worked at Rueter & Zenor’s (now Rueter’s Red Power) for over 40 years. After retiring he worked at Neese, Inc. for two years. In his spare time, Walt enjoyed restoring and showing antique tractors. His personal favorites were Theiman’s from Albert City, Iowa and Minneapolis Moline. Walt also enjoyed Cushman Scooters, Marx Trains, and antiquing in general. He loved traveling and took vacations every summer throughout most of North America, including Canada and Alaska. Their traveling was mostly by car and pulling a camper or camping by tent. Walt especially enjoyed visiting National Parks. In recent years they took constant shorter trips to places off the beaten path and visiting the Freedom Rocks in Iowa. On May 19, 2022, Walter died peacefully at his home in Grand Junction after a lengthy battle with several cancers. He is preceded in death by his parents, George and Ethel Light, brother Frank Light, and sister Karen Light. Walt is survived by his wife Claudia of Grand Junction; son Keith Light (Paula) of Perry and their children Cayla, Megan, Ethan and Ceanna; daughter Charlene Heater of Grand Junction and her children, Cassandra Hickman (Eric), Allison McEntire (Zackary), Fallon Heater and Blake Heater; son Ryan Light (Melanie) of Shellsburg and their daughter Molly Light; brother Dean Light (Darlene); sister Janet Smith; sister-in-law Donna Light; nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends. The family requests in lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Grand Junction Fire and Rescue Service. Hastings Funeral Home in Jefferson is in charge of the arrangements. 

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Jefferson Bee & Herald
Address: 200 N. Wilson St.
Jefferson, IA 50129

Phone:(515) 386-4161