Walker, Michael James, 59, of Phoenix, died peacefully on December 30, 2014 at the Mayo Clinic surrounded by his loving family. Mike was born on May, 11, 1955 in Waterloo, Iowa, the son of Dr. John Walker and Elizabeth Murray Walker. He graduated from West High School where he played football and sang with the Young Americans. He graduated from Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska. He began working at IBM and had a long career in medical sales with several national companies where he won many national sales awards. Mike loved the outdoors, especially boating and water skiing at his beloved Lake Okoboji in Iowa. He also loved golf, fly fishing & classic cars. He was known for his gentle soul and loving personality. He was smart, selfless and always positive. Mike was an excellent cook and had a remarkable ability to quote random, useless facts. His big, hearty laugh will be missed by family and friends alike. Michael loved his girls, including his dog “Laney.” Mike is survived by his two daughters Lindsay and Natalie, his former wife Olivia, sister Debbie(Glen) Petersen, John(Terri) Walker Jr., Martha(Ross) Johnston, Susan(Jim) Crouse, all of Waterloo, Trisha(Phil) Leese, of Leawood, KS, Margie(Chris) Heib, of Fargo, ND, Marietta Mershon, of Leawood, KS and Elizabeth Schoenberger of Avon, CT. Also surviving Mike are 24 nieces & nephews and 34 great-nieces & nephews. A visitation is scheduled from 5:00pm to 8:00pm, with a Rosary at 7:00pm, Monday, January 5, 2015. Mass is scheduled at 10:00am, Tuesday, January 6, 2015 at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, 4715 N. Central Avenue in Phoenix. In lieu of flowers, please make a memorial contribution to the St. Francis Xavier Capital Campaign Fund, 4715 N. Central Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85012.
Cynthia Goro (aka: Cindy Worthington)
Prayers, hugs and love to the big hearted wonderful extended Walker family. I don’t know one girl at West that didn’t have a crush on Mike, including me 🙂 I have so many fond memories of Mike and am lucky to have known him. May you find comfort in his faith and our faith in Him.
cheryl wanser
We all loved Mike will truly miss him.
Bev and Jim Smith
So sorry for your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Mary Pedersen
My sincere sympathy to all of Mike’s family. I am so sorry for your deep loss. Prayers and blessings to all.
Don and Mary Wood
To the Walker Family; We were strangers and your unbounded love took us in as family, too. Michael is surely clothed in bright, heavenly robes!
Barb Nielsen (Kelley)
I was one of those girls Cindy…Mike always made me feel important altho I was the nerdiest girl in West High School!! RIP Mike and my thoughts are with your family….
Amy Lichty
Cannonball splashes at the Sunnyside pool. Energy, playfulness, and having a good time. That’s what I most remember about Mike from our carefree summers at the Club. My heart goes out to all the Walker family. While his light went out all too soon, his infectious joy and love of life will be with us forever.
Joan Lucas and Bob Singsank
Our hearts and thoughts go out to the Walker family, especially Lindsay and Natalie. We always felt a special connection to Mike since Bob is also from Iowa and shared Mike’s unwavering love of their home state. We remember Mike as warm hearted, funny, and a genuinely nice guy.
With deepest sympathy,
Joan and Bob
Martha Walker Johnston
Thank you all for your warm and loving words for my brother and family. It really does help soften the pain of our terrible loss with Mike’s passing.
Scott & Gwen Annis
Mike was my pal, friend, classmate and fellow Waterloo brother so many fun times together some at Shattuck, Hoover, the Country Club, out here in Colorado and more. I am way beyond sad at this Christmastime but humbled to have had him as a very good friend.
Love and Hugs Michael,
Scott & Gwen
John Guldner
I was so shocked to hear about Mike. I always thought he had the energy and vitality to live forever.
To the family, please accept my condolences and know that you are not alone in this sad time.
He was a great person!
Debbie Walker Petersen
We will all miss Mike so much and love hearing all of his friend’s comments. We all saw these special gifts that Mike had but it is so heartwarming to hear them expressed by so many of his friends who loved him. I love you little brother! I carry you always in my heart!
Rick Corton
To all the Walker family, I was so shocked to read Mike’s obituary in yesterday’s paper and to find out he lived here in Phoenix. My wife, Faith Sussman, and I send you all our sympathy and condolences. While I was closest to Martha, I have very fond memories of living down the street on Kingbard and playing up at the Walker house that was always a magnet of fun and activity. I remember Mike’s energy and joking as a kid, jumping on the trampoline with him and all of you,
your very pretty mom driving us all out to Sunnyside with the top down, baking cookies with Martha in your kitchen, all back in ’58-’68. We are so sorry for your loss. Best Regards, Rick
Teri and Michael Lasky
We are full of sorrow to hear of Mike’s passing. He was a great person with a happy heart. We enjoyed the times in San Francisco and will miss him. Our condolences to Olivia, Lindsay and Natalie and to all the Walker Family.
With deepest sympathy,
Teri and Michael
John Mehringer
Mike was an exemplary man who went out of his way to help others, including me. I shall miss him very much for his demeanor was indefatigably upbeat, his wit self-deprecating and his wisdom nonpareil. He left us far too soon and while we may grieve his passing, we will gain strength from the memory of how he lived.
Francie Molinaro
We can’t believe Mike is gone.
Felt an incredible wave of sorrow wash over when weI heard he passed.
So many good times from our families living next door on Kingbard and growing up together. Last saw him at Doc’s funeral luncheon at Sunnyside and am glad we got a chance to talk.
Thoughts and Prayers are with all of Mike’s Family.
He will be missed.
Love,
Mary Ellen and Francie Molinaro
Bruce Wechsler
When I think of Michael, it almost always involves something that made me laugh or at least smile. Even as he dealt with his medical challenges, he always had a kind word and a quick smile.
Our last few conversations were, perhaps, the most meaningful of our friendship. To say that Michael put life into perspective would be an understatement.
To all of Michael’s family and friends, take comfort in that fact that you were blessed to know him. Know also, that he cherished your love and friendship.
May he rest in peace.
Mike Reeve
I hired Mike a few years ago into what would be his last job. I was immediately impressed by what a warm and genuine guy he was. He had an amazing ability to connect with people because of the love in his heart. Our customers loved him and I was amazed at how quickly he gained their trust and respect.
Mike took me to my first Diamondbacks game when my favorite team, the Atlanta Braves, was in town. We had a blast and I will always remember it. We shared a passion for cars and fly fishing which made for great conversation on road trips.
He added so much to our team and I only wish we had the privilege of knowing and working together with him longer.
Mike Reeve
Patricia Caya
To All of the Walker Family:
My sincere sympathy to All of You at this difficult time…I remember Michael coming into his Dad’s office over the years…he was always so warm and friendly and fun. It was so good seeing him again at the time of Dr. Walker’s passing at which time he looked so handsome and healthy and as always so friendly.
God’s Blessings to All of You in your loss of Michael…You are in my thoughts and prayers!!
Rev. John Szmyd
I heard of Mike’s death through the Solmos family at St. Joseph parish in Wilmette.We used to all talk flyfishing together.
I am so sorry for your loss.
I will keep him and your entire family in my prayers and have Mass offered for his intention. May God grant you all peace and consolation and everlasting life to Mike. + + +
Fr. John