BRUCE ALAN WALKER Bruce Alan Walker, 72, died Friday, November 29th at Solvay Hospice House in Duluth, MN. He was born July 11, 1952 in Intl Falls, Minnesota 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." (Walt Disney) 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 preceded 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 1:00 p.m. 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.

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Published by Rainy Lake Gazette from Dec. 3 to Dec. 6, 2024.

Memories and Condolences
for BRUCE WALKER

9 Entries

Dennis L Gable

February 14, 2025

Linda and Family: So very sorry for your loss. He was a BIG part of the fantastic four of the Falls and will be missed. I always enjoyed his smile and the way his eyes sparkled when he smiled. May you and your family find peace in knowing how much he meant to many of his friends. Blessings and Prayers.

Bertha Dannemiller

December 14, 2024

I was shocked and saddened to learn of Bruce´s passing. I have so many fond memories of working with him, especially on the challenging and successful McCoy development and launch. His energy, wit and deep concern for others brought life to every thing he did and everyone he met. Remembering Bruce in my prayers and praying for the family that you find peace at this very difficult time.

Guy Unertl

December 10, 2024

I'm sorry for your loss. Bruce was, without any question, the best supervisor I ever worked with. He had high expectations, and those who worked for him are better for the experience. He was never afraid to provide assistance and guidance. He was the best in many, many ways.

Fr. Steve Langenbrunner

December 9, 2024

Linda,
I am so sorry to hear about Bruce. You and your family are in my prayers!
In the peace of Christ,
Fr. Steve Langenbrunner

George Balach

December 8, 2024

My condolences always enjoyed Bruce at the bridge table and at Spirit Mountain a genuinely nice guy

Gail and Bob Owen

December 5, 2024

So very sorry to hear of Bruce´s passing to all of his families. Judy and Larry give each other big hugs from Bob and I

Betty Santa

December 5, 2024

So sorry to hear this. Amongst many other things Bruce was a good Bridge player, also a congenial and respectful one. Hoping he's getting a lot of 7NT hands up in the great beyond.

Kelly Haglund

December 4, 2024

So sorry to hear of Bruce's passing. I was just a young girl who lived next door to their Rainy Lake cabin. Bruce was I suppose in high school at the time. I remember he had dark, almost black hair. Very nice to this little gal when I would wonder over to see Bruce, Elnor and Cy. I don't recall the other family members. But Bruce and his Mom and Dad very nice to visit with.
If I remember right, he was always busy back then also. It sounds like he had a very fulfilling life. A great family. Everything a person lives for. Again my sympathy, Kelly Haglund.

Jan Budris

December 4, 2024

To Linda and daughter´s, Larry, Pam, FHS Classmates of 1970,
I am deeply sorry for Bruce´s passing.
He was my neighbor on the Anchorage Road, Rainy Lake, during summers.
He was very energetic and loved his project around the cabin.
From campfires on the beach, to going fishing, Bruce enjoyed cabin life.
Rest in peace.

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