Dennis Lee Walker

After a long and faithful journey, Dennis Lee Walker passed into God's eternal embrace on Wednesday, May 21, at the age of 73, surrounded by his loved ones at home. Dennis lived a life marked with laughter and loyalty, a quick wit and a deep heart, and an unwavering faith in God and commitment to family. Born on July 11, 1951, to Roy and Lorraine Walker in LaCrosse, WI, Dennis was full of mischief and charm, well known for his constant, dimpled smile. In 1968, he graduated from LaCrosse's Central High School and then attended Milwaukee School of Engineering, graduating with an A.S. in Electronic Communications (1972) and a B.S. in Electrical Engineering Technology (1977). During his years at MSOE, he was an active member and leader of Kappa Eta Kappa, forming friendships that lasted throughout his lifetime. Over his thirty year career in engineering project management, Dennis led with integrity and strength of character. He was respected for his excellence in work, innovative vision and implementation, and people-centered leadership. Dennis married Roxane Lippold on March 18, 1978, and celebrated 47 years of marriage this spring. As a spouse, Dennis exemplified unconditional love in a marriage that was built on shared faith, mutual trust, and a steadfast commitment to each other. Together they raised three children, creating a loving home with strong faith and family values. He enjoyed spending time with family and friends, especially if it involved any sort of outdoor adventure. Eventually his family brought the adventure to him in the form of exotic pets, hobby farms, and 4-H, which he patiently and selflessly supported (and may have given him a few gray hairs). Dennis was many things: a masterful storyteller, a competitive strategist in family cards and games, an ingenious MacGyver, and a playful spirit who could always make you laugh-especially when you needed it most. He could spot a deal from a mile away-and beat you to it. His love of speed never slowed-from sleds and bikes to motorcycles, skis, and classic cars-he zipped through life with boldness and a grin. Even later on, his wheelchair couldn't slow him down, especially if chocolate chip cookies were to be found or when grandkids were around to hop on for a thrift store cruise. Dennis also gave of himself freely, always ready to lend a helping hand and generous with his time and resources. He volunteered for various charitable organizations, including Sertoma and the Alzheimer's Association. He was deeply invested in the life of the church, most recently as a church elder-a role he filled with deep humility, discernment, and reverence. Most of all, Dennis' life reflected an abiding trust in God-steady, grounded, and full of grace. He was tenacious in the face of many challenges, level-headed despite the circumstances, and a rock for those who leaned on him. With an intuitive presence and a deep well of wisdom, he offered calm counsel and quiet strength wherever it was needed. He was also honest about his limitations-and even more honest about where his help came from while relying on God's provision and guidance in all things. The final two decades of Dennis' life were reshaped by an MS diagnosis and a couple strokes, which steadily diminished his strength and communication abilities. Yet his illness never defined who he was, highlighting instead the depths of his belief in God's sovereignty. When he could no longer do the things he wanted to do, he never once complained. He lived his life to the fullest within the confines of the MS, praising God from whom all blessings flow. Dennis now rests in the light of God's peace. He was preceded in death by his parents, Roy and Lorraine Walker; brother-in-laws: Barry Remington and Paul Bequette; niece, Rochelle (Bequette) Parnitzke; and nephew, Jason Remington-and is remembered by those who remain: his wife, Roxane, and children: Nicole Walker, Jessica (Josh) Louwerse, and Aaron (Deborah) Walker; four grandchildren: Ava Louwerse, Evan Louwerse, Christopher Walker, and Susan Walker; sister, Cheryl Bequette, niece, Renee (Ron) Lund and family, and nephew, Ryan Bequette; brother-in-law, Randy Lippold, and niece, RyLyn Lippold and family; sister-in-law, Caryn Remington, and niece, Danielle Remington and family; and special family friend, Sandra Lueke Starke, whose lifelong friendship to Dennis and family was a source of mutual support and enduring presence through every season of life. He leaves behind not only family, but a lifetime's worth of friends-each one shaped by the years they shared and the stories they carried. We will gather to celebrate Dennis' life-and hope in Christ-on Saturday, June 7 at 2 pm at Cornerstone Evangelical Free Church in Rochester, MN. For their extraordinary dedication and compassionate care, the family wishes to extend their gratitude to Dawn Schwenke; Kendall Koens and team; Dr. T. Rajjo and Mayo Clinic care teams; Comfort Home Health; and Seasons Hospice-especially Annie and Jody who also cared for Dennis' mother in her final days.