Edwin Walker

Walker, Edwin B. MONONA/ CAMBRIDGE/ ROCKFORD, ILL. - Edwin B. Walker, age 90, formerly of Rockford, Ill., Cambridge and more recently of Monona, died at the Ellen and Peter Johnson HospiceCare Center, Fitchburg, on Tuesday, March 20, 2007, from complications of Alzheimers Disease. He was born on Jan. 18, 1917, in Rockford, Ill., the son of Elmer and Amelia (Johnson) Walker. Ed graduated from Rockford Central High School in 1935. While working and living in Rock Island, Ill., he met and married Mary Troester on May 31, 1941. Ed retired after 40 years at Metal Cutting Tools, a company in which he played an integral part in establishing. After having lived in various locations in the Rockford area, they settled in Wisconsin to be closer to family. Ed was extremely fond of the log house that they purchased and meticulously maintained at Lake Ripley near Cambridge. Being retired, Ed enjoyed the adventure of heating the house by burning wood for many years. He was also able to pursue his passion for carpentry, shop work and yard/ garden activities. Of course, Ed and Mary always had time for their family to visit and enjoy fun at the lake or a cozy time together visiting in front of the fireplace. Later, Ed and Mary moved to Monona to be even closer to their family. Ed who was always optimistic thought of this as yet another adventure in life. There are many wonderful memories of family vacations that he and Mary would take for their children and later the trips that their children would take them on. Something that remained constant throughout Eds life was his perfectly timed witty comments and his ability to jump into a lengthy conversation with anyone who happened his way. He enjoyed being involved in projects, whether they be a building project of his own or being a Boy Scout Leader or as an advisor in Junior Achievement. He was an avid big band (1940s) music lover. Ed cherished piano music and was an expert whistler. He remained a Cubs and Bears fan, but had fun watching Packers and Badgers games with his family. Ed was an even tempered, generous and kind husband, father and grandfather. He is survived by his wife, Mary; his children, Pam Walker Lawless and Greg (Gail) Walker, all of Monona; his much loved grandchildren, Patrick Lawless of Bozeman, Mont., Erin Lawless, Charlie and Chris Walker, all of Monona; three sisters-in-law, Lois White, Rose Walker, and Beth McFarlane; and other relatives and friends. Ed was preceded in death by his parents; and a brother, Kenneth Walker. Funeral services will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, at 2 p.m., on Monday, March 26, 2007, with his nephew, Pastor Doug McFarlane of Oelwein, Iowa, presiding. Burial will be at Roselawn Memorial Park, Monona. Visitation will be at the funeral home from 1 p.m. until the time of the service on Monday. Eds family would like to thank all of the staff and volunteers at Meriter Home Health and the Ellen and Peter Johnson HospiceCare Center, Fitchburg, for all of their comfort and kindness. Eds greatest gratitude would be to his wife of 65 years, Mary, who dedicated herself to care for him at home. He loved you so much and we all thank you!