Richard Dean Walker

Richard "Dick" Dean Walker, 84, passed away on Friday, August 30, 2024. A funeral mass will be held at St. Theodore Catholic Church on Saturday, September 7, 2024 at 11AM with visitation held for an hour prior to the service. Burial will be held at Hillcrest Cemetery immediately following the service.

Dick was born on July 7, 1940 in Emerald Township, Faribault County, Minnesota to Johnnie and Naomi (Nichols) Walker. He grew up in the country near Albert Lea and attended a one room elementary school. In 1959 he graduated from Albert Lea High School. In his younger days, he worked the fields around Hollandale. He also worked at Meyer Wolf and Sons Men’s Apparel before joining the MN National Guard. After leaving the service, he began working at Streater where he remained for the next 42 years.

Dick enjoyed shooting, especially black powder rifles, and won several contests for it at Rendezvouses. His skill was so renowned that he received the nickname “Sureshot”. He loved travelling, often going to visit family in South Dakota, Georgia, and Colorado. One of the biggest trips he and Dorrene went on was a cruise to Alaska, an experience that they both thoroughly enjoyed.

Dick is survived by his children Rose (Michael) Lein and Johnnie (Lori) Walker; grandchildren David (Tiffany) Lein, Dan (Emily) Lein, Samantha (fiancé Andy) Lein, Dillan (fiancé Abby) Lein, Emily (fiancé Shelby) Walker, and Abby (special friend Brad) Walker; sister Naoma (Dennis) Morrison; sister-in-law Pat Powers; many great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends.

Richard was preceded in death by his beloved wife Dorrene; parents Johnnie and Naomi Walker; sisters Bonnie Sleeper, Betty Thompson; brothers-in-law Gary Sleeper, Robert Thompson, Al Powers, and Neil Duwenhoegger.

The family would like to thank Meals On Wheels and Meals On The Go for providing food and companionship to Richard, his friends at Silver Sneakers, and all the great neighbors who helped him in so many ways over the years. They also wish to thank all the nurses, doctors, and other staff at the Austin and Albert Lea Hospitals who did such a wonderful job caring for him, the firefighters and first responders who made numerous trips to his house to help, and the Smart bus drivers who helped him get around. Thank you.