"To Bernice and Family Sorry to hear of your loss. You were always good neighbors to the Mittag's in the good old days. How things change. Many people are gone from the neighborhood but not forgotten. "
In loving memory of
Vern T. Walker
March 10, 1927 - August 25, 2011
Vern Thomas Walker was born March 10, 1927, in Algona son of Archie and Violet (Rich) Walker. He attended country school near Algona.
Vern was united in marriage to Bernice MaryAnn Lensing on April 6, 1948, at St. John's Catholic Church in Bancroft. They lived on and farmed his family's century farm west of Algona. Vern also worked in earlier years at Tri-County Drying Plant and for many years at Muller-Eischen Implement.
Vern loved to tinker and repair machinery. He enjoyed gardening, especially raising his vegetables which he shared with many of his friends. Vern was a member of St. Michael's Catholic Church and past member of the Holy Name Society. He served as a Lotts Creek Township Trustee and was a member of the Garrigan Booster Club.
Vern died Thursday, August 25, 2011, at Kossuth Regional Health Care Center, Algona at the age of 84.
He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Bernice Walker of Algona; five children, Janis Eischeid of Algona, Jim (Madeleine) Walker of Nevada, Sue (Dave) Runyan of Cresco, Dr. Sheri (Denny) Pentecost of Coppell, TX, and John Walker of Algona; nine grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren; Mark (Carol) Eischeid of Algona, Steve (Angie) Eischeid and children Seth and Jordan of Algona, Matt (Jill) Walker and children Michael and Julia, of Minnetonka, MN, Eric (April) Walker and son Brecken of Eden Prairie, MN, Alyse (Adam) Simiele and children Landon, Tristan, and Caiden of Cresco, Daniel Runyan of Cresco, Dr. Craig Runyan of Fairfield, and Sarah Pentecost and Alexis Pentecost, both of Coppell, TX. He is also survived by two brothers, Merlin (Minnie) Walker and Durwood (Donna Mae) Walker of Algona; a sister-in-law, Maxine Walker of Algona; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; four sisters, Irene Holdren, Grace Bjustrom, Loretta Broesder, and Charlotte Walker; and two brothers, Robert and Raymond Walker.
Tributes
"9/5/'11 To Bernice and Families, I just saw in the Algona Paper online about Verns passing. My heartfelt sympathies and prayers are with you all. Vern left a legacy of a wonderful and loving family who he loved with all his heart and soul. May your memories of Vern be with you all on the happy days and be with you all during those times you feel very alone. Gods Blessings to You All, Especially to Susie(Walker) Runyan-you have known me since I was very little-wow if YOU could see me now!! Always know my thoughts and prayers are with you all. With Sincerest Sympathy and Friendship and Love, Mark J.VonBank-Park Rapids, Minnesota formerly of Algona, Iowa. "
"Bernice and family, Vern was a really great friend to our family and will be very missed."
"Sheri, Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Love,"
"Dear Bernice and family--you have lost a very precious member of your family. His suffering is over and he is now with the Lord. What wonderful memories you all have of him which will live in your hearts forever. I'm sorry I won't be there for the funeral, for I'm in Michigan."
"My family was saddened to hear of the loss of Uncle Vern. I remember coming back every year when we were younger to visit our grandparents and also going to Bernice and Vern's farm. So many great memories of a remarkable uncle. He will be truly missed by so many people."
"Janis and family So sorry to hear the loss of your father. Our prayers and throught are with you at this difficult time "
"Thanks for the memories in your tribute, Vern Lensing. Vern was a great brother-in-law and will be missed by all. I and my son Tom will attend the wake and funeral and will express our sorrow on their loss to Bernice and family at that time. "
"Condolances to the Walker/Lensing families. I have very fond memories growing up with my cousins kids. Wish we lived closer in times like this. Now Cousin Vern is in the arms of Jesus and without his suffering. Peace to all of you."
"My sincere sympathy to Bernice and family. How do I remember Vern? He and Bernice would accompany us(my brother Tom, Jim, Bob, Chuck, Vince and anybody else) to Titonka on Sat night for a night of roller skating. Vern could "skate backwards" WOW!!! Plus he could skate in pairs. May the good Lord have a pair of skates for Vern. May he rest in peace."
"Janis and The Walker Family Thinking of you all at this time of sadness . We will miss him at church on Saturday nights. Now he is at peace and no more pain or suffering. God Bless you all Dale and Ruth Brunsen"