Obituary of Bruce Alan Walker

Bruce Alan Walker

Bruce Alan Walker, 72, died Friday, November 29th, 2024 at Solvay Hospice House in Duluth, MN.

He was born July 11, 1952 in International Falls, MN to Cyril and Elnor (Wagner) Walker. On October 11, 1969 he married Linda Kockelman and they were blessed with two daughters; Toni and Mindy.

Bruce graduated from Hamline University with a chemistry degree and worked in the paper industry at Potlatch (Cloquet and Brainerd) – retiring from SAPPI in 2012. He was not afraid of work. He worked hard and played hard. He truly lived the quote: “Growing old is mandatory, growing up is optional.” Since his retirement he has volunteered on the ski patrol at Spirit Mountain and with AARP doing taxes for seniors. He loved playing pickle ball and traveling. Summers were spent at the cabin on Rainy Lake. He enjoyed working in the yard and on the many projects on his honey do list, plus some time for boating in Voyageurs National Park, fishing and fun with friends and family.

Bruce is survived by his wife of 55 years, Linda. Daughters Toni (Stuart) Holweger and Mindy (Brett) Budzius. Granddaughters: Brooke and Abby Holweger, Anika and Bridget Budzius. Brother, Larry (Judy) Walker. Sister, Pam (Dick) McNitt; Brother-in-laws, Don (Diane) Kockelman, Jim (Bev) Kockelman and Bob Lavern.

He was preceeded in death by Cyril and Elnor Walker, Clarence and Bernice Kockelman, brothers and sisters-in-law; Pat and Jerry Linsten, Jerry and Jo Kockelman and Bonnie (Kockelman) Lavern.

Celebration of life: Tuesday, December 10th, 2024 at 1:00 pm, at the Grand Avenue Chalet Riverside Grill 8551 Grand Avenue in Duluth.

In lieu of flowers send donations to Voyageurs Conservancy or Falls Education Foundation.