Irene Walker

Irene was born March 11, 1923, in Spirit Lake, Iowa. She was the youngest of four children born to Glen and Winifred Pugh. She is preceded in death by her parents, brother, Marvin, infant brother, Merril, and a sister, LaVerne. Irene grew up in Arnolds Park, graduating from Arnolds Park High School in 1941. She worked at a local candy store and enjoyed roller skating at the Majestic Roller Rink in the park, where she met Harold Walker. They courted for two years and were married on September 5, 1947. They were true companions! To their union was born one child, Ron Walker, on September 27, 1950. The couple owned and operated the Standard Oil Station in Arnolds Park for many years. They lived in the same home in Arnolds Park for two months shy of fifty years, when Harold passed away suddenly of heart failure in July, 1997. Irene was so proud to have spent her life in the home they called the "Echo", where she continued to live until her death. Irene loved to cook and was very talented at it. She enjoyed her collections, painting ceramics, puzzle books, her Sunday card games at Ron & Kris's, but most of all, spending time visiting with family and friends. She had a pleasant disposition and loved to joke and banter with her family. Her pride and joy was being a Grandmother. The kids called her "Meme" and she loved the endearing title. Left to cherish her memory are her son, Ron, his wife, Kris and grandchildren, Emily, Sarah and Joseph Walker; nephew, Gordon Graves, his wife Patricia; niece, Jackie Pugh; as well as many friends.