Brian Gerald Jerry Walker, 80, died on Thursday, November 11, 2010 at his home in Thief River Falls, MN.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 1:30 P.M. on Thursday, November 18, 2010, at St. Bernards Catholic Church, Thief River Falls, with Father Rick Lambert presiding. Burial will follow in St. Bernards Cemetery, Thief River Falls, MN.

Visitation will be from 5:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. on Wednesday, November 17, 2010 at Johnson Funeral Service in Thief River Falls, MN with a 7:00 P.M. Prayer Service on Wednesday evening. Visitation will also be one hour prior to the service at the church on Thursday.

Brian Gerald Walker was born July 2, 1930 to James E. and Mary Mildred (Hiller) Walker in Thief River Falls, MN. He was baptized and confirmed in the Catholic Faith. He attended elementary school at St. Bernards and graduated from Lincoln High School in 1948.

Brian honorably served his country in the Marines from 1949 to 1953. He served in the Aleutian Islands and North Africa. He loved every minute of his military career. While serving in the Marine Corps, Brian met his future wife, Ruth.

Upon completion of his Marine Corps service, Brian was united in marriage to Ruth Evelyn Stewart, November 21, 1953 in Grand Rapids, MN. They had met while Brian was home on leave. They made their home in Grand Rapids, MN for a few months, and then they moved to Minneapolis, MN. Brian worked at Thermo King for about 3 years in the middle 1950s. They then moved to the Iron Range in Minnesota and lived at Hoyt Lakes and he worked as a foreman at Erie Mines for 5 years. Then Brians dad, James died and Brian moved to Thief River Falls to take over the family business. He ran Walker Sand and Gravel north of Thief River Falls. During that time, Brian added Gopher Ready Mix to the business. After selling his business he started work for the Northwest Community Action based out of Badger, where he oversaw the weatherization assistance program in northwest Minnesota before retiring in 1992.

Brian did a lot of wood carving and golfing. He enjoyed deer and grouse hunting for many years. In the last few years, he has kept up the house and yard. After retirement, he was busy with all of his hobbies, which included humoring his family and friends, woodworking, golfing and keeping up his homes in Thief River Falls and Mesa, AZ. Brian was a proud member of the Eagles, American Legion Ecklund Holmstrom Post # 117 and the Elks.

He was a lifelong member of St. Bernards Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus. In 1977 Brian was named Knight of the Year and honored for his service to St. Bernards and St. Bernards Catholic School. Brian was proud of his involvement in the church as youth minister of the CYO, Finance Committee Chairman of the Parish Council and member of the St. Bernards Catholic School Board.

A fund in honor of Brian and Ruth Walker will be established through St. Bernards Catholic School. In Lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to St. Bernards Catholic School.

Brian is survived by his wife Ruth Walker, Erskine, MN, 3 children: Kathleen Moum, Mesa, AZ; John Walker, San Francisco, CA; Thomas (Naomi) Walker, St. Louis Park, MN; 1 grandson John Moum, Phoenix, AZ; 3 brothers, James Walker, Bemidji, MN; William Walker, Concordia, Kansas; Patrick Walker, Morrison, CO; 2 sisters Florence Walker, Ft. Collins, CO and Kathleen Hurley, Lakewood, CO.

Brian was preceded in death by his parents; and one sister, Mary Colleen Walker.

Family condolences may be sent at www.johnsonfuneralservice.com

ORGANIST: Kristi LaSalle
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