Richard "Dick" Kenneth Walker

Richard Kenneth Walker (Grandpa One Eye)   1935-2025

At the ripe ole age of 90 and living a full colorful and beautiful life he decided on stealing the show on Mother’s Day and passed away peacefully Sunday morning May 11, 2025 at Pinecrest Nursing Home  Merrill, WI under the loving care of Compassus Hospice Services. Richard, known mostly as Dick (more ways than one)  was born April 10, 1935 being the first son of Richard and Marie Walker of Bristol, Wisconsin. The eldest of four children he grew up on the family farm Hwy C. Bristol. We think the farm mentality gave him the thought in the school of “hard knocks” and yes, we were told many times how he had to walk for miles in a blizzard to get to school (barefoot none the less) so shut up and we could suck it up.

He met and married his beautiful wife Carol Mae Anderson and created a vibrant, fun, busy family. Children Mike, Patty, Jerry, Jodi and triplet girls Kristine, Kathleen and Kolette.  Dick thought he was the greatest for having created triplets in 1968, he thought it made him more manly. Dick had a deep sense of humor, and he has passed that on to his children and theirs after.

Dick enjoyed hunting in his earlier years, relished in his flying days loved dancing at weddings and cut a rug at the polka. He talked rubbish was silly, fun, full of chatter and stubborn as the day long. He also spent many hours sitting in his blue chair, loved his remote control flipping through channels and watching M.A.S.H.  He loved ice cream, root beer floats, chocolate candy bars and O.J.  He hated playing games, puzzles, engaging in craft hour or idle chit chat with others at the commons. Loathed cats and tolerated dogs. Dick took pride in his Army days and to memory recited his Army number until the very end, dementia wasn’t keeping him from knowing that number.

Losing an eye in a gun accident at the age of 14 he affectionately gained the name Grandpa One Eye by his vivacious grandchildren and great grandchildren, and he proudly and lovingly accepted his new title.  He was known for his lack of patience, not holding back his opinion and a knack for telling it like it is.  Grandpa One-eye always told the truth even if it wasn’t what you wanted to hear. He was genuine to a fault, a pussy cat at heart (or lion) and yet he sugar-coated nothing. He could be wildly inappropriate and frequently sarcastic. He thought all the girls loved him and that couldn’t be further from the truth. He survived (barely) being married twice and divorced twice. Second marriage is probably why there is no money left over for generational wealth. Hence, his wish not to have a funeral and waste hard earned money. This obituary is going to cost us enough.

Dick is survived by siblings Sue Benson, and David Walker. Children Mike (Linda) Burke, Gerald Walker (Chris) Jodi Hernandez, Kristine Schmaling (John), Kathleen Alby (Jeremy) Kolette Walker and a plethora of grandchildren and great grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his parents Richard and Marie Walker, brothers John Walker and James Walker, beloved daughter Patricia Wynstra Sorensen and every other beautiful soul who has gone before him.

We owe all our creative quick wit to him. May it pass down to every generation he created. He will be missed, loved and remembered by all who were lucky enough to be graced by his presence.

Per Dick’s request, no public services will be held.  Everyone who remembers him is asked to celebrate Dick’s life in their own way.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com