Iola M. Walker

Walker, Iola M.

Iola Mae Goldbeck Walker of Appleton passed away on Jan 29, 2016. She was born Feb 12th, 1926 in Appleton where she continued to live for most of her 90 years, except for her many travels around the country and the world. Iola loved dancing, horseback riding and was a renowned watercolor artist painting many landscapes of her travels, some of which were sold around the globe as well as given to her many friends.

She graduated from UW-Madison with a degree in youth service wherein she worked for the YWCA before her marriage to Gordon Walker on May 3, 1953 which was "love at first sight". On that day she became an instant mother to three children from Gordon's previous marriage to Mae Boettcher Walker who passed away in 1951 from polio: Jill Ann Liebscher (Appleton), William (passed) and Judy Walker (Manawa, WI), Dr. Katherine "Kit" Walker (Port Ludlow, WA). Iola is birth mother to Scott Walker, (Pt. Townsend, WA.) and twins Paul Walker (Appleton) and David (Kathy) Walker, (Long Beach, CA.). She leaves eight grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. Her parents Mae and Charlie Goldbeck; sister Ruth Priebe; and brother Carl Goldbeck preceded her in death. The family is indebted to the staff at Helen's House and to Dennis Graf, a lifelong family friend, for her care since the passing of Gordon in 2014.

Iola and Gordon were lifelong members of All Saints Episcopal Church, 100 Drew St, Appleton. Visitation with family will be at the church on Friday, Feb. 17th from 9:30AM followed by a funeral service at 11:00 AM, with Fr. Jim Harrison officiating. In lieu of flowers Iola wished support for All Saints Episcopal Church youth programs or support of area youth programs through a memorial fund that has been established at the Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region 4455 W. Lawrence St., Appleton, WI 54914.