Honorable William E. Walker

William (Bill) E. Walker, 84, of Park Rapids, MN, passed away peacefully on May 2, 2024, just the way he wanted it; in the home he built, surrounded by treasures collected over a lifetime, and with his dear wife nearby. Bill was born in Waukegan, IL to Don and Bebe Walker on September 6, 1939. Bill graduated from Grant High School in Long Lake, IL, in 1957. He was always proud of his years in high school and had made many life-long friendships from that time. Bill came from humble beginnings, raised in small town in Illinois. His father, Don Walker, had to drop out of school in the eighth grade to care for his siblings.  His mother, Bebe Walker, immigrated from Norway at the age of seventeen. His parents impressed upon their three sons the importance of getting an education, and all three sons took that lesson to heart.

Bill went onto earn a Bachelor of Arts degree from St. Olaf College in 1961. He worked his way through college, yet he made time for his classmates and creating memories. Again, he made life-long friends that were held with great regard.

Following St. Olaf, Bill graduated from Luther Seminary in 1967. As with his other educational adventures, Bill made life-long friends that he cherished and loved.

His final foray into institutionalized education was earning his Juris Doctorate from Hamline University School of Law in 1976.  Law became a passion for Bill. He opened a law firm in Red Wing, MN which he eventually sold to his law partner in order to return to northern Minnesota. Bill and his family settled in Park Rapids in 1981. He practiced law out of his home until he was appointed, by Governor Rudy Perpich, as District Court Judge in 1987 where he served until retirement in 2005.

Bill led a life full of adventure and joy. Not only did he have a passion and a love of the law, he had an excitement for learning, traveling, and trying new things. Among many of his travels he was also an Educator, a Social Worker, served in the Minnesota House of Representatives, appointed as Head of the Waste Management Board, Assistant Commissioner and Commissioner of Agriculture, a consultant at Control Data, a Farmer (often farming with horses), a Stone Mason, a Newspaper co-founder of the Country Echo Newspaper in Pequot Lakes, MN, a Bee Keeper, a Poet, a Lawyer, was a Chief Judge for the Seventh Judicial District, and served as the Chair of the Conference of Chief Judges.

Bill loved life, he loved people and believed in treating everyone with respect regardless of where their path in life had brought them. Bill and his wife, Jacquelyn (Jackie) Walker, met and fell in love due to their unrivaled passion for life and similar approach on how people should be treated. Bill frequently stated that he fell in love with Jackie on their first date. They were married on November 11, 1993. Their marriage was one that rivaled any romance story filled with a deep love, and many adventures. Bill always called Jackie his Queen and treated her in that fashion.  Their life together consisted of many travels around the world which took them to England several times (their favorite), Egypt, Turkey, Germany, Scotland, Luxemburg, and many more.  When they were feeling antsy or just adventuresome, Bill and Jackie would go on ‘Walker-Walk-Abouts.’ They would choose a place to drive to, near or far, and explored the nation together.

Family was very important to Bill. Many gatherings and feasts were held around his table. Bill embraced Jackie’s children as his own, as Jackie did for Bill’s children. This led to large and great celebrations with family and friends, young and old, that often apexed in singing, and tapered into late night discussions. His life was full of joy, family, and adventure.

This loved and respected man is survived by his Wife, Jacquelyn Walker; Son, William Walker; Daughter, Elizabeth Walker (Michael Berre); Daughter-in-Law, Joann Walker; Step-children, John Ehlers (Min Shen), David Ehlers; Adam Stensgaard (Melissa); Grandchildren Matthew Walker (Hannah), Joshua Walker (Diona),  Nicole Walker, Laura Walker, Natalya Walker, Graham Walker, Sara Ehlers, Andrea Brogren, Anthony Stensgaard, Ethan Stensgaard, Collette Ehlers, and Seaton Ehlers; Great-grandchildren, Oakley Walker, Byntlee Walker, Sage Walker, Savannah Walker, Isabelle Walker; Brother Rev. Don Walker; Sister-in-law Joan (Annie) Walker; and Brother-in-law Gary Harris. He is also survived by many friends, nieces, nephews, and other family members.

He was preceded in death by his Parents, Don and Bebe Walker; Brother Rev. Conrad Walker; Sister-in-law, Ann Walker; and Stepson Michael Stensgaard.

The celebration of life will take place at the Historic Holmes Theatre, in Detroit Lakes on May 10, 2024. The Celebration of Life will begin at 1 p.m. in the theater. A reception will be in the ballroom from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.  His burial at Oak Grove Cemetery in Detroit Lakes, MN will follow.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Detroit Lakes Library in his honor.