November 19, 1946 - July 21, 2024
Funeral services for Denny Walker of Burt was held at 2 p.m. on Monday, July 29, 2024, at Oakcrest Funeral Services in Algona. Burial took place at East Lawn Cemetery following the service, with military rites conducted by the Bancroft American Legion Post #377. Visitation was held one hour prior to the service at Oakcrest Funeral Services in Algona.
Dennis Melvin Walker was the eldest son of Melvin and Madelia (Vigdal) Walker. He was born at St. Ann’s Hospital in Algona on Nov. 19, 1946. He grew up on the farm near Lotts Creek and attended a two-room schoolhouse until 4th grade. Denny also went to school in Lone Rock until 1962 when his dad passed away. The family then moved to Algona where their mom raised the children by herself. Denny attended Algona High School, graduating in 1965.
After high school he joined the United States Navy. He served one year in Vietnam. While in the Navy, he also spent time in Hong Kong, Japan and the Philippines. After leaving the service Denny worked at Snap-on Tools and Evert Brothers in Algona for a time. He then worked for Hormel for 38 years until retirement. Denny lived most of his adult life in Burt.
Denny was always a car person. In the 1960s, he had a keen interest in muscle cars and raced at the Humboldt drag strip many times. After awhile, he teamed up with an old classmate and got into stock car racing. The first year of competition they were the season champions and points leader. He then got interested in street rods. Denny found a 1930 Chevy frame in a grove in Colfax and other parts in an old tin shed and made an awesome car out of it! A writer from Street Rod Magazine saw the car and had its photo published in the magazine. In 1984, Denny found another car, this time a 1931 Chevy, which was his last street rod and his pride and joy!
Denny was a member of the Bancroft American Legion Post #377. He was also a lifetime member of the Iowa Street Rod Association and a member of the National Street Rod Association since 1971.
Denny passed away July 21 at MercyOne Medical Center in Des Moines. He was 77.
Denny is survived by his brother Mike and companion Carol Bode of Algona; and three sisters, Diane Fritz of Titonka, Betty (Merle) Ricklefs of Titonka and Sue Bruhn of Fenton. Also surviving is Denny’s cat and beloved companion Socks.
Denny was preceded in death by his father, Melvin Walker, mother Madelia Walker Johanson, brothers-in-law Denny Fritz and Steve Bruhn and stepfather Everett Johanson.
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