Raven, Walter J. (1918-2007)

RAVEN, BELL, THURMAN

Posted By: Colleen Ossman (email)
Date: 5/7/2009 at 15:28:42

Webster City Freeman Journal, Sep 28, 2007

Walter J. Raven, 89, Webster City
Walter J. Raven, the son of Andrew and Christina Raven, was born May 21, 1918 in Webster City, Iowa. Walter attended Webster City schools and began his employment at the Schroder Sash and Door Company on Second Street in Webster City. He served with the Iowa National Guard for 5 _ years, and was stationed in Guam with the Seabees during World War II.

On Oct. 1, 1939, Walter married Frances Allison Bell of Waukee, Iowa. They had two sons: Michael Raven, currently an architect living in Mexico with his wife, Christine, and David Raven, an artist and Professor of Art living in St. Paul, with wife, DeAnne.

On January 1, 1941 Walter purchased the Raven Trailer & Body Company from the Raven family. He then started the Raven Mill and Lumber Company at 127 Second Street. The principle business was the manufacturing of windows, doors, kitchen cabinets, bank, and church fixtures. In addition, his company built and remodeled several hundred homes and commercial buildings. He also built 4 additions in Webster City to include Raven, Englewood, Bluff and Union Street developments.

Walter owned and operated the Stanhope Lumber Company in Stanhope for several years. In 1958 he started a pallet manufacturing business until it was sold in 1966.

In 1958 Walter was the principal who formed the first county conservation board in the state of Iowa. He served as Director and secretary for the board for 8 years. During this period he helped conceive Briggs Woods Lake and golf course.

Walter was a member of the noon Kiwanis club for 33 years and was a life member of the Moose Lodge and the VFW, American Legion, and served on the board of the Iowa Motel and Restaurant association for 4 years. Walter was the Explorer Scout Master of Troop 11 for 8 years. In 1975 Walter built the Best Western Newcastle Inn and Restaurant on Superior Street. He also was owner and operator of Raven Real Estate for 30 years.

Walter was a lifelong resident of Webster City, but also lived with Allison for 20 years at their cabin in Park Rapids, Minnesota. He maintained a life long enthusiasm for hunting and fishing, and traveled extensively in this pursuit.

Walter passed away on Tuesday, September 25, 2007, at Crestview Manor in Webster City, at the age of 89. Walter was preceded in death by his parents Andrew and Christina; his wife, Allison; sister, Alta Thurman and by brothers Elmer, Einar, Alfred, William, Earnest and Marloff.

Funeral services will be held Monday, October 1, 2007, at 11:00 a.m. from the Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church in Webster City with Pastor Mike Kroona officiating. Burial will be in Graceland Cemetery, Webster City. Foust Funeral Home, Eagle Grove, is in charge of arrangements.

Memorials may be directed to The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America at 322 Eighth Ave., 7th floor New York, NY 10001.

Hamilton Obituaries maintained by Lynn McCleary.
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