Obituaries : Walter "Wally" Dunham Sackett

Walter "Wally" Dunham Sackett, 71, of Newhall, Iowa, passed-away following a brief illness, with his wife and children by his side, on Monday, Dec. 14, 2020, at St. Luke's Hospital in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
Wally was born to Willis and Dorothy (Dunkel) Sackett on May 7, 1949, in Urbana, Iowa, and was later raised on the Sackett farm located in Walker, Iowa. He joined the U.S. Army in 1969, was deployed to Korea and was honorably discharged at the end of his service.
On July 22, 1971, Wally was united in marriage to Sharon DeSotel. Together, Wally and Sharon lovingly raised five children until the sudden passing of her and their unborn child Alisha in March 1989. In September 1999, the family endured another loss when Wally's son, Scott passed in an automobile accident. To support his family, Wally spent over twenty years employed by Rockwell Goss until they closed the plant.
In 2000, Wally met Terri Baker and formed a strong bond and friendship that grew into a loving relationship. Wally and Terri were united in marriage on June 19, 2012.
Throughout his life and the losses he endured, Wally remained a pillar of strength and resilience for his children and family. Anyone who had the pleasure of knowing Wally loved him. He was a funny, caring, and loving man with an infectious laugh and smile that lit up any room. He enjoyed time with his family and friends grilling, playing cards and telling jokes. He also loved watching tractor pulls, partaking in casino activities (WIN or Lose), margaritas and Mexican food. Wally was always there for a friendly wave and smile. When parting from those he loved, Wally made sure that everyone got a hug and would always make another round because he never wanted anyone to be forgotten.
Wally is survived and lovingly remembered by his mother, Dorothy; wife, Terri; children, Mathew, Vicktoria Day (Christian), Kelly Sanders and Travis; stepdaughters, Destiny, Candice (Aaron) Hilgendorf and Kaylene (Robert) Allardyce; grandchildren, Kayden, Keana, Keagan, Riley, Chloe, Caidence, Cael, Addyson, Harper, Keaton, Braeton, Adrianna, Greg, Emmit and Brayleigh; great-grandchildren, Alayna, Maddax and Ariana; and siblings, Ron, Sherry, Lana, Lynn (Karen), Rich (Pam), Jeff (Lucy), Alan (Susan), Marilyn (Miles) Wilson and Sue (Ken) Clayton. He is also survived his cousin and lifelong best friend, Bob; and many nieces, nephews and extended family.
Wally was preceded in death by his father, Willis; first wife, Sharon (DeSotel); son, Scott; daughter, Alisha; brother, Mike; sister-in-law, Corliss Sackett; father in-law and longtime neighbor/friend, Ed Cecak.
A celebration of Wally's life will be held at a later date. A memorial fund has been established at Collins Community Credit Union.