Robert Nelson Walker, age 81 of Knapp, WI passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 14th at the Baldwin Care Center, surrounded by his loving family.
Robert was born on May 10, 1930 in Radley, Kansas, the son of Clarence and Rena (Costelli) Walker. In 1934 the family moved to Weyerhaeuser, WI where they farmed and Robert attended school. He graduated from Weyerhaeuser High School in 1949.In 1951 he married Darlene Wisherd of Bruce, WI, and to this union three sons were born, Bob, Doug and Randy.Their marriage later dissolved.
Robert and Darlene farmed in Weyerhaeuser until moving to Baldwin in 1962, when they purchased the A&W Root Beer Stand.In 1977 they moved the business to the current location at the junction of I-94 and Highway 63, where they built a year around restaurant. However, Robert’s main occupation was that of lineman for St. Croix Electric Cooperative in Baldwin.He worked there for 28 years where he made many friends and was known for his hard work ethic. Robert retired from St. Croix Electric in 1996.
For leisure, he enjoyed time spent on the St. Croix River with his houseboat and traveling around with his fifth wheel camper. He was ever so proud to attend and cheer on his boys in their sporting events, and later in life, watching his grandchildren, as well.
Robert is survived by his sons Bob (Pam) Walker of Baldwin, Doug (Sandy) Walker of Baldwin, Randy (Sherry) Walker of Baldwin; grandchildren, Dana (Jay) Bergner of Oronoco, MN, Annie (Malachi) Johnson of Rochester, MN, Holly (Adrian) Suarez of Minneapolis, MN, Anthony Walker of Baldwin, WI; great grandchildren, Ty and Nora Bergner, and Cashton Johnson; sisters, Betty (Louis) Hebenstreit of Galesburg, IL and Cheryll Walker of Minneapolis, MN.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Clarence and Rena (Costelli) Walker.
A celebration of Robert’s life will be on Thursday, January 19th from 4-8 PM at the O’Connell Family Funeral Home; 1010 Newton Street in Baldwin.Interment will be private. Memorials are preferred. Funeral services entrusted to the O’Connell Family Funeral Home and Countryside Crematory of Baldwin.