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Alan Russell Walker

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September 18, 1941 - May 15, 2022

 

Alan Russell Walker, born Sept. 18, 1941, to Russell “Russ” and Norma (Raney) Walker, passed away peacefully on May 15, 2022, at the Algona Manor. 

The eldest of the family spent his life in Algona. Upon graduating from Algona High in 1959, he went to work full time where he’d spent his youth; on the family farm. All the hard days were rewarded with his favorite thing to do - run the combine, only an International Harvester or Caterpillar, of course. 

On May 21, 1960, Alan was united in marriage to his high school sweetheart, Darlene Fries at Good Hope Methodist Church in Lone Rock. They were blessed with three children; Michael, Michelle and Mark. Darlene passed away May 1, 1979, after a long battle with cancer. On Dec. 3 of 1983, he was happily married to Joanne (Dryer) Hovey at Trinity Lutheran Church and blessed with a bonus son, Allan Hovey. They spent almost 25 years together at the farm before she passed from cancer on Nov. 30, 2008.

Even when he wasn’t farming, Alan enjoyed spending time outdoors - hunting, trap shooting league, traveling to the best spots in Canada to fish and to New Mexico for quail. In between seasons, he spent his free time tinkering and building, and developed quite an affinity for welding and metal fabrication. He loved “learning” all sorts of stuff and imparting friends with knowledge over morning coffee at the Chrome. He also spent much of his time watching and cheering for his grandkids at all of their events and shows.

But we also know how much he relished time indoors as well, namely on his YouTube, but especially with a busy house crowded with family, filled with the scents and tastes of a holiday meal, and the sounds and feel of stories and laughter from everyone there. He was always the one to share a bizarre metaphor or strange euphemism over drinks, and finish it with a big belly-shaking laugh. 

He is survived by siblings, Murl (Linda) Walker of Mendicino, Cali.; Lorna Lisa of Kings Park, N.Y. His children, Michael (Jonathan) Walker of San Diego, Cali.; Michelle (Bill) Lehman of Emmons, Minn.; Mark (Tracy) Walker of Algona; and Allan (Stacy Besch) Hovey of Algona. Grandchildren;  Stephanie (Adam) Simons; Brie, Nate and Seth Walker; Taylor, Kelsey (Landon Rash), Whitney, Ashlyn and Aidan Hovey. Great-grandchildren, Emily Walker and AJ Simons. Special friend, Lavonne Henry, as well as nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, Russ and Norma; forever baby sister, Ann; and his wives, Darlene (1979) and Joanne (2008).

And in true farmer fashion, he waited until crops were in before leaving this earth behind.

“The farm is a part of me.” -E. Werenberg 

A memorial service for Alan was held on May 21, 2022, at the First United Methodist Church in Algona. Online condolences may left at www.oakcrestfuneralservcies.com   

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