Donald L. Walker

Donald L. Walker, 82, of Kingston, passed away peacefully Wednesday, February 17, 2021 at Pleasant Park Place in Ripon.  He was born September 30, 1938 to Melvin and Helen Walker at his home in Kingston.  

He graduated from Markesan High School, the class of 1957.  Don was baptized in the United Methodist Church in Kingston.  He became a member of St. John's Lutheran Church in Montello, later transferring to Zion Lutheran Church in Kingston. Don served in the U.S. Navy from 1959 to 1963, being discharged just after the Cuban Missile Crisis ended. He married Jo Ellen Stollfus January 30, 1965 at St. John's Lutheran Church in Montello.  Later he married Karla Walker April 2, 1977 at North Scott Baptist Church in Pardeeville.

Don drove semi over the road for Fred Stollfus and worked several years for Pro-Type Builders erecting steel buildings.  He also drove semi for Zinke Dray Line in Portage, Robert Kamrath of Pardeeville and helped on his in-laws family farm.  He worked for Alsum Farms and Produce, Inc. for 27 years driving semi, finding that job most rewarding. He enjoyed driving his semis and taking his kids for rides with him.

Don loved and was proud of his children and grandchildren.  He was a great dad and grandfather.  He enjoyed raising corn and pigs on his property outside Kingston, he attended the Oshkosh Air Show as a member of the EAA for many years, he was an avid reader of history, ships, and airplanes.  He made many trips to visit relatives in Valley City, ND to Virginia to visit his son Trevor, to California to visit relatives, to Florida to visit his in-laws and was able to travel to Lake Stevens, WA to visit his navy friend Bill a couple times.  

Don is survived by his children Paul (Diane) Walker of Montello, Trevor (Inna) Walker of Chesapeake, VA, Tony (Nicole) Walker of Pardeeville, Philip Walker of Pardeeville, and Marnie Thome of Beaver Dam; eight grandchildren Brooke, Marshall, Alyssa, Mila, Ashlynn, and Oliver Walker, Madeline Thome, and Zane Parchem; his brother James (Roberta) Walker of Kingston, sisters Barbara (Gordon) Luedtke of Janesville, Lorraine Steffen of Markesan and Beverly (Lynn) Whitehouse of Markesan, one Uncle Fred Walker of Fond du Lac, along with many nieces, nephews, cousins, family, and friends. Don was preceded in death by his parents and one son Scott.

Funeral Services will be held Tuesday, February 23 at 2 PM at Zion Lutheran Church in Kingston following Covid-19 guidelines of wearing masks and social distancing with Rev. Kurt Hagen officiating.  Visitation will be held from 12 Noon until the time of service. Burial with full military honors will follow at Kingston Cemetery. The family would like to thank the staff of Grasse Funeral Home, Pleasant Park Place, and St. Croix Hospice for all the personal attention, love and care given to Don and his family.

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