Eugene A. Walker

Eugene Walker passed away on Tuesday morning, May 10, 2011 at home, after a courageous battle with cancer. He was born on March 14, 1930, in Kaukauna, son of Arden and Lila (Alger) Walker. In Gene's earlier years he was very active in the Boy Scouts, and received his Eagle Scout badge; he was also one of Wally Mooney's scouts. After graduating from Kaukauna High School, Gene went to work at Thilmany Pulp and Paper. In December of 1948 Gene joined the United States Air Force and served four years, attaining the rank of Staff Sergeant. He served with the 54th Troop Carrier Squadron during the Korean War. On October 14, 1952, Gene married Ethel Gerrits at Holy Cross Church; the couple has resided in Kaukauna ever since. After working at Thilmany for forty years, he retired in 1987 as a shift supervisor on the paper machines.

Gene enjoyed deer hunting and fishing with his son and grandsons. He was also very much into wood crafting; and then there was golfing, bowling, and traveling that took up a lot of Gene's time. He was a member of the International Paper Management Club, Post #41 of the American Legion, Post #3319 of the VFW, Thilmany's Quarter Century Club, and was a former member of the Kaukauna Elks #962, Fox Valley Golf Club, and Fox Hills Golf Association.

Gene is survived by his wife of fifty-eight years: Ethel (Gerrits) Walker of Kaukauna; a son: Tom (Carmen) Walker of Iron Mountain, Michigan and Sharie (Jim) Halvorson of Lake Poygan; seven grandchildren: Jason Walker, Chelsey Stephenson, Leah Powell and her fiancé Kevin Kamps, Cory Powell, Austin Halvorsen, Blake Halvorsen, and Christian; and a great-grandson Corey Stephenson. Gene is further survived by two sisters-in-law: Ellie Walker and Shelly Walker; as well as by Ethel's family: Gay (Lorraine) Otto, Vi Dickrell, Richard (Delores) Gerrits, Agnes Gerrits, and his aunt Ruth Wier, as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents Lila and Arden Walker, brothers Richard “Pro” Walker and John Walker, a daughter-in-law Mary Walker, his in-laws Bill and Loretta Gerrits, and brothers-in-law Amby Dickrell and Mel Gerrits.

The funeral liturgy for Gene will be held at 9:30 AM on Saturday, May 14, 2011 at HOLY CROSS CATHOLIC CHURCH, 309 Desnoyer Street in Kaukauna with Fr. Tim Pomeroy officiating. Interment will be in the parish cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home on Friday from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM and again at the church on Saturday morning from 8:30 AM until the time of the service. There will be a parish scripture service at 7:30 PM Friday at the funeral home.

The family would like to thank Dr. Gregory Johnson and his nurse Tabitha, Dr. Munson, Dr. Klingbile, the staff at Appleton Medical Center, the staff at Parkside Care Center, everyone at Theda Care at home Hospice, and all of Gene's visitors and friends. We will never forget your kindness.

Fargo Funeral Home
400 W. Wisconsin Avenue
Kaukauna, WI 54130
920-766-6200