"Thoughts and prayers go out to your family in the loss of your dad and life partner. "
In loving memory of
Bruce Ervin Walker
October 7, 1935 - December 24, 2020
Bruce Ervin Walker was born October 7, 1935, in Des Moines, Iowa. to Ervin H. and Freda Fern (Cooper) Walker. He died December 24, 2020 at the age of 85 in Mission, TX.
Bruce graduated from Monroe High School in1954. Following graduation he worked at Whitted Implement where he learned the mechanic trade. When Whitted Implement closed he worked for Davis Auto Supply for 4 years. In 1969 he went on his own and built Walker's Garage on his acreage 4 miles east of Monroe. He was a successful business man and enjoyed working on tractors and lawn mowers for over 50 years.
Bruce married his high school sweetheart, Ila Van Wyngarden, on June 15, 1956.
Those left to cherish his memory are his wife, Ila, their five children: Lonnie (Julie),
Tim (Lisa), Terry, Tami (Galyn) Nook, Robin (Travis) Egesdal, twelve grandchildren, and eight great grandchildren.
Bruce, Ila, and their family spent many weekends boating at Lake Ponderosa. They also took their family to family camp every year at Iowa Regular Baptist Camp and after retirement, spent their summers at the camp volunteering.
Bruce and Ila spent 37 years wintering in Mission, TX. While in Texas he enjoyed helping various missions, making thousands of toys for His Hands Ministry, Border Missions, and Children's Haven International -- handing them out to the less fortunate children in the valley.
He was an active member of First Baptist Church and Gideons International. He was an avid speaker for the Gideons and enjoyed meeting people and talking to them about their need for a Savior.
Preceding him in death were his father, Ervin, Sept. 4, 1955; mother, Freda, Aug. 30. 2002; and sister, Shirley Van Ryswyk, Oct 25, 2016.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, January 9, 2021 at 1:00 pm at the First Baptist Church in Monroe. Burial will follow at Silent CIty Cemetery. Visitation will take place on Saturday from 11:00 - 12:45 also at the church. Masks are required for the visitation and funeral service. Memorials may be made to Gideons International or Iowa Regular Baptist Camp. Condolences may be left for the family at www.coburnfuneralhomes.com
Tributes
"I am so sorry for your loss. It really about "knocked me off my feet" when you called with the news of his death. My prayers are with you, Ila, and your family. It is very comforting to know he is with Jesus now and feels no pain. I know that is a real comfort to me. Who would have ever thought those guys would go to Heaven so close together. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Love you all so much!"
"So sorry Ila for your loss prayers for your family."
"Illa and family, may you find peace and comfort in your faith and treasured memories of Bruce. I was a child when he began work with my father at Whitted Implement. I know he meant a lot to my Dad. Becky Reetz Neal"
"Tami and family - heartfelt sympathy is extended to all of you in the passing of your father. Never easy losing a parent, and my prayers are going up for you during this time. Our comfort is knowing we will see them again one day in heaven. Praying for peace and strength now and in the days ahead. God will bring it."
"Bruce and Kenny Perry kept my '46 Ferguson tractor and Snapper mower for many years past their "use by date". Thank you so much and my sincere condolences. Pat Van Dusseldorp"
"Ila and family I am so saddened to hear about Bruce,, a shock. I have thought of you, knowing you were probably in Texas. You are in my thoughts and prayers."
"Ila and family I am so saddened to hear about Bruce,, a shock. I have thought of you, knowing you were probably in Texas. You are in my thoughts and prayers."
"Ila and family I am so saddened to hear about Bruce,, a shock. I have thought of you, knowing you were probably in Texas. You are in my thoughts and prayers."
"Tami and family - Heartfelt sympathy goes out to you in the loss of your dad. Never easy losing a parent, but know that God also brings peace and strength in difficult times. Rejoice in the fact that he is in heaven, and you will see him again one day. Prayers to all of you."
"Bruce was a very kind neighbor, always said hi and will be remembered fondly for all the childrens toys he made. Our condolences from his Winter Oleander family in South Texas"
"To Bruce's family, I am so sorry for your loss. I do remember Bruce from attending church as a teenager. May God give you comfort in knowing that he is with his Savior. Jan (Cowman) Miller"
"Sorry for your loss, but rejoice in knowing he?s with Jesus! Cindy Stowers"