Walker, William Ronald 1932 - 2024
WALKER, HOVEY, WENTWORTH, SOVEREIGN, KINNEY, PLATZ, GADOW, CROAT, STAHL, LEWIS
Posted By: Joy Moore (email)
Date: 7/19/2024 at 13:08:22
William (Bill) Ronald Walker, 92, of Cresco died peacefully on July 16, 2024 at the Evans Memorial Home in Cresco.
Bill Walker was born on May 24, 1932, in Cresco, to Howard and Bertha (Hovey) Walker. He was the youngest of six children. He grew up on the family farm and attended rural school, Vernon Springs #6, before transferring to Cresco High School where he graduated in 1951.
It was in high school that he met his future wife, Hazel Wentworth. They were seated next to each other, in alphabetical order, in homeroom class. Following graduation, it would be 20 years before they would reconnect and marry on December 31, 1971.
After high school, Bill worked on the family farm with his father and brother until he was drafted into the United States Army. He served from 1952-1954. He was sent to Aberdeen, Maryland Proving Ground for basic training. He completed infantry training and technical training as Ordnance Supply Specialist. He was transferred to the 4th Regiment Combat Team in Alaska; they provided security for the northern approaches to the United States and Canada. He was proud to have served in the U.S. Army. He had so many stories that he rarely repeated them. If he did, they were worth hearing over again. He was a proud veteran and received the Quilt of Valor in 2019. He cherished it for the rest of his life. He was recognized in 2023 as a 50-year member of the American Legion.
After his discharge from the Army, he worked at Daly PHC in Cresco where he learned the skilled trade of Plumbing HVAC. In 1969, he was hired at the Howard Winneshiek Community School District. He served as Director of Buildings and Grounds for 26 years until his retirement. He kept the facilities in excellent condition. Many family holiday meals were delayed over the years because Bill was tending a furnace in one of the schools.
Bill and his wife, Hazel, were married for 53 years. They were blessed with a blended family. Bill had three girls and Hazel had four girls. Bill and Hazel were committed to each other and were patient parents in a busy and hectic household. In the early morning, Bill could be found sitting by himself in the kitchen, drinking coffee, and soaking in quiet time while petting the family dog, Rusty.
Bill was a devoted Dad to all his girls. He fixed their toys, bicycles, and cars. He helped move them in and out of dorm rooms, apartments, and houses. He walked them down the aisle at their weddings and he welcomed each of his sons-in-law into the family. He enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and watching them grow.
Bill had many favorite things in his life. He was a faithful member of 1st Lutheran Church. On early Sunday mornings, he made sure the temperature in the building was set just right for worship service. He loved weekly visits from his nephew, David. He enjoyed playing softball, fishing, telling stories, eating lefse and rosettes, fixing things, and drinking a hot cup of coffee. He and Hazel enjoyed bowling and playing in tournaments. He was proud of his gold ring earned by bowling a perfect score. Most of all, Bill loved the Lord Jesus, Hazel, and his girls.
Bill is survived by his wife, Hazel; six daughters: Shirley (Dave) Sovereign, Loree Kinney, Linda (Gary) Platz, Jane (John) Gadow, Lisa Walker, and Janice (Randall) Croat; nephew, David Lewis who was like a son to Bill; ten grandchildren, ten great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents; daughter Rhonda Walker; three brothers: Howard, Gerald, and Wallace; and two sisters: Dorothy Stahl and Darlene Lewis.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Howard County Community Hospice, the Evans Memorial Home, or 1st Lutheran Church in Cresco.
Source: Lindstrom Funeral Home database
Oak Lawn Cemetery
Howard Obituaries maintained by Constance McDaniel Hall.
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