Martha Ann Light Serbousek
June 22, 1930 — January 24, 2016
Martha was born June 22, 1930, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, the daughter of Frank and Frances (Marek) Pesek. She passed away on January 24, 2016. Martha graduated from Wilson High School in 1948. She married Ralph Light on October 24, 1950, making their home in Coggon. Ralph passed away on May 22, 1970. On November 1, 1981, she married James B. Serbousek. Jim passed away on March 16, 2010.
Martha grew up on 21st Avenue in Cedar Rapids. She enjoyed SOKOL gymnastics, theatre, working at Sykora Bakery, and later on at WFLA. She and her husband, Ralph, owned and operated Light Implement in Coggon, where they raised their four children. Martha loved her family. She thoroughly enjoyed trips to and visits from her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Spending quality time with them was a highlight of her life. She enjoyed being called “Babi”.
She was proud of her Czech heritage. She enjoyed volunteering at the National Czech and Slovak Museum and Library. She was fluent in the Czech language and helped translate letters for people she didn’t even know.
She enjoyed multiple trips to the Czech Republic with her family and friends. Her life-time dream was fulfilled in 2013 when she and her three children visited friends and family in the Czech Republic.
Martha was an inspiration to us all. She modeled perseverance, especially during the difficult times of life. Her faith in Christ was what gave her strength. She was also a member of the United Parish in Coggon, where she served on various committees throughout the years.
Martha is survived by two sons, Ronald (Wendy) Light of Warsaw, Missouri and their children, Ron (Kristina) Light Jr. of Kansas City, Missouri and Jeff Light of Springfield, Missouri; and son, Larry Light of Walton, New York; and a daughter, Susan (Loren) Zumbach of Coggon and their children, Jennifer (Matt) Tyson of Chanhassen, Minnesota and Brett Zumbach of Monticello; great-grandchildren, Emily, Kayla, Brielle, and Lucy Light; Luke, Ashley, Daniel, and Catherine Tyson; two step children, Larry (Sandra) Serbousek and Carol (Norm) Russell; two step-grandchildren, Mary Beth Russell and Nathan (Lindsay) Russell; and sister-in-law, Dorothy Mullaley.
She was preceded in death by her brother, Frankie; parents; son, Paul Light; and great-granddaughter, Olivia Tyson.
Family will greet friends from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, January 27, 2016, at the United Parish Church in Coggon, Iowa. Funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, January 28, 2016, at United Parish Church, Coggon, Iowa with visitation one hour prior to service. Burial will be at Coggon Cemetery, Coggon, Iowa.
A Memorial Fund has been established in Martha’s memory.
Martha grew up on 21st Avenue in Cedar Rapids. She enjoyed SOKOL gymnastics, theatre, working at Sykora Bakery, and later on at WFLA. She and her husband, Ralph, owned and operated Light Implement in Coggon, where they raised their four children. Martha loved her family. She thoroughly enjoyed trips to and visits from her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Spending quality time with them was a highlight of her life. She enjoyed being called “Babi”.
She was proud of her Czech heritage. She enjoyed volunteering at the National Czech and Slovak Museum and Library. She was fluent in the Czech language and helped translate letters for people she didn’t even know.
She enjoyed multiple trips to the Czech Republic with her family and friends. Her life-time dream was fulfilled in 2013 when she and her three children visited friends and family in the Czech Republic.
Martha was an inspiration to us all. She modeled perseverance, especially during the difficult times of life. Her faith in Christ was what gave her strength. She was also a member of the United Parish in Coggon, where she served on various committees throughout the years.
Martha is survived by two sons, Ronald (Wendy) Light of Warsaw, Missouri and their children, Ron (Kristina) Light Jr. of Kansas City, Missouri and Jeff Light of Springfield, Missouri; and son, Larry Light of Walton, New York; and a daughter, Susan (Loren) Zumbach of Coggon and their children, Jennifer (Matt) Tyson of Chanhassen, Minnesota and Brett Zumbach of Monticello; great-grandchildren, Emily, Kayla, Brielle, and Lucy Light; Luke, Ashley, Daniel, and Catherine Tyson; two step children, Larry (Sandra) Serbousek and Carol (Norm) Russell; two step-grandchildren, Mary Beth Russell and Nathan (Lindsay) Russell; and sister-in-law, Dorothy Mullaley.
She was preceded in death by her brother, Frankie; parents; son, Paul Light; and great-granddaughter, Olivia Tyson.
Family will greet friends from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, January 27, 2016, at the United Parish Church in Coggon, Iowa. Funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, January 28, 2016, at United Parish Church, Coggon, Iowa with visitation one hour prior to service. Burial will be at Coggon Cemetery, Coggon, Iowa.
A Memorial Fund has been established in Martha’s memory.
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