Ethan Walker

Ethan Lyle Walker, 20, of Grinnell, Iowa, went to his heavenly home on January 4, 2026, due to an unexpected medical event, while on vacation in Florida. Ethan's life was far too short, but during it, Ethan was huge in every way-from his physical frame to his heart for his family, friends and faith, to the impact he left on countless people that will last for decades to come.
A funeral service will be held 11:00 AM, Wednesday, January 14, 2026, at the Grinnell Christian Church. The family encourages those attending the service to wear a golf or beach vacation shirt to honor Ethan. The service will be livestreamed on the Grinnell Christian Church YouTube page: https://www.youtube.com/@grinnellchristianchurch1070/streams A luncheon will follow at the church in the Family Life Center (gymnasium). Interment will be at Hazelwood Cemetery in Grinnell.
Ethan's family will receive friends at the visitation held from 3:00 PM until 8:00 PM, Tuesday, January 13, 2026 in the Family Life Center (gymnasium) at the Grinnell Christian Church. In honor or Ethan, please dress casual in your favorite golf or beach vacation shirt.
In lieu of flowers, please designate memorials to the Ethan Walker Memorial Fund. Memorials may be mailed in care of the Smith Funeral Home and Crematory, PO Box 368, Grinnell, Iowa 50112. Memories and condolences may be shared with Ethan's family online at www.smithfh.com.
Ethan was born on October 13, 2005, in Sioux City, Iowa. A 2024 graduate of Grinnell High School, he was a standout athlete in both football and basketball. He was currently a red-shirt freshman at Iowa Central Community College, where he wore #79 as an offensive lineman for the Tritons. While he was a giant on the field, standing 6'5" and over 300 pounds, with the ability to push anyone around, those who knew him best saw within his powerful stature a playful, fun-loving kid, a humble spirit, and an incredible work ethic. Whether he was working at Cummings Farms, lending a hand at Walker's Place, or helping out at home, Ethan was known as a young man who did what needed to be done to be there for his family and friends when they most needed it.
Ethan was a young man of deep and growing Christian faith. He left no doubt about the importance of his relationship with God, and his passion for growing in his faith was a guiding force in his life until the day he died. He would always say, "You have to trust God, what's meant to be, will be. It's all part of the plan." This strength of character translated into his role within his family, where he was a calming, wise presence. He was a pillar of strength for his momma and bore the responsibilities of life with maturity far beyond his years.
Ethan shared a deep and lasting bond with his longtime girlfriend, Kenzie McClelland. He cherished the time they spent together, becoming a beloved part of the McClelland family and finding great joy in the trips and adventures they shared.
To his brothers, Jordan and Luke, he was a helping hand and a sturdy soul to lean on; a bright smile on a dark day, and above all, the best friend and brother that anyone could ask for. To his many cousins, he was the "literal" big brother-the one who made sure to see them every time they visited from out of town and the one who would spend hours tossing laughing kids in the pool during holiday gatherings. He had a rare ability to be the leader the family relied on while still being "one of the kids" at heart.
When he wasn't on the football field or the basketball court or working out, Ethan was a true outdoorsman. He loved to hunt and fish, and he particularly enjoyed golfing at Oakland Acres with his Grandpa Jack. He was also a talented dart player, a hobby and a bond he shared closely with his father. Whether he was on the green, in the woods, or at the dartboard, he found joy in the quiet moments and the company of those he loved. He was currently pursuing his studies at Iowa Central, with a future that held limitless potential as a leader both in his family and his community.
He is survived by: his momma, Sara & Jeff Nielsen; his dad, John & Missy Walker; his brothers: Jordan (Mikayla) Walker and Luke Walker; his longtime girlfriend, Kenzie McClelland and her parents Mike and Mindy McClelland; his step-siblings: David (Andrea) Parker, Melanie (Andy) Dahlhauser, McKenna (Jonas) Hovenga, Tye Nielsen, and Grant Nielsen. He is also survived by his maternal grandparents, Jack and Jackie Morrison; his paternal grandmother, Geneva Walker; his aunts and uncles, Meagan (John) Liesveld and their kids Johnny and Norah, Katie (Matt) Jermier and their kids Kale and Madden, Kurt (Lisa) Walker and their kids Kole (Brianna) Walker and Dylan Walker; nephew and niece, Brooks and Adalee, a host of cousins who were like siblings to him, and a vast network of teammates, coaches, and friends.
He was preceded in death by his paternal grandfather, Lyle Walker, his maternal great-grandparents William and Lorene Morrison, and great-grandfather, Edgar Anderson.