Charles Walker, Jr.

Charles M. Walker, Jr. 88, of Northville, passed away, Sunday, October 20, 2013 at the Golden Living Center in Ipswich.

Memorial Service was held at 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, October 23, 2013 at Concordia Lutheran Church, Cresbard, with Rev. Timothy Koch officiating. Burial will be at 1:30 p.m. MDT, Thursday, October 24, 2013 at Black Hills National Cemetery, Sturgis, SD.

Charles Marion Walker, Jr. was born May 24, 1925 in Faulkton, SD to Charles and Dena (Nipp) Walker. He grew up on a farm near Loyalton, SD. Charles attended school in Cresbard, graduating in 1943. He enlisted in the United States Marines, serving from 1943 until 1946.

On June 8, 1948 Chuck married Ila Holt at her parents’ home near Chelsea, SD. To this marriage six children were born.

As a young man, Chuck began working for the United States Postal Department as a Rural Letter Carrier. He stayed with this job for 33 years, retiring in 1980.

Chuck and Ila joined Concordia Lutheran Church in 1952. He was actively involved and together they had their six children baptized and confirmed at this church.

Charles was a member of the South Dakota Rural Letters Carriers Association holding offices several different times during his lifetime. He held offices in the Cresbard American Legion organization for several years. He was also a lifetime member of the VFW and DAV (Disable American Veterans).

Chuck and Ila enjoyed their retirement. It gave them an opportunity to do more traveling, traveling yearly out of state, especially to attend the National Rural Letter Carriers Association Conventions. They also enjoyed going to polka fest throughout the state, making many friends. When he retired, Chuck felt the calling to still do a little work so he helped neighbors with their farming and even started a small business where he and Ila sold peanuts, candy and their own homemade mustard at craft fairs through the state. His mustard was so popular the people called him the “Mustard Man”. During his lifetime he enjoyed going to his grandchildren’s activities, visiting, traveling and having his family all together. His family will tell you that he was in the Marines, but he was also a Marine for life.

Chuck is survived by his wife, Ila of Aberdeen; three sons: Curtis (Cathy) of Aberdeen, Scott (Cindy) of Chamberlain and Mitch (Myrna) of Chelsea; two daughters: Dawn (Jerry) Leibel of Glencross and Sonja Loy of Sturgis; seven grandchildren; three step-grandchildren; seven great grandchildren; four step great grandchildren; one brother, Alan Walker of Buffalo Gap; half brothers: Denis Walker of Norbeck and Gail Walker of Parkston; two half sisters: Dianne Brist of Aberdeen and Carol Walker of Faulkton; as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his father, Charles Sr.; his mother Dena (Ben) Gerdes; his wife, Gertrude; his son, Craig; sisters: Dolores Raethz and Dorothy Landstrom; brothers: Edward, Daryl, Duane, Willard, and Richard and a half brother, Charles Alan.

Luce Funeral Home of Faulkton has been entrusted with Charles’ arrangements.