Dr Walk

VISITATION:

12 p.m. - 2 p.m., Saturday, December 22 at Central Lutheran Church, 28 E. Columbia Street, Chippewa Falls

SERVICE:

2 p.m., Saturday, December 22 at Central Lutheran Church, 28 E. Columbia Street, Chippewa Falls

Dr. Richard J. Walk, DDS, 70, of Chippewa Falls, town of Anson, passed away Thursday, December 20, 2012 at Sacred Heart Hospital, Eau Claire from pancreatic cancer, which he fought with courage and determination.

He was born November 30, 1942 in Milwaukee to Blanche L. and Dr. Willard P. Walk.

He graduated from Wauwatosa High School in 1961 where he lettered in football, swimming and golf. He then attended UW Milwaukee and graduated from Marquette University with a Doctoral Degree in Dentistry. After dental school, he was awarded a dental internship in the US Air Force where he received further education in oral surgery, general dentistry, periodontal and endodontics. He served as a Captain in the US Air Force for three years stationed at Andrews Air Force Base, Washington DC and Lowry Air Force Base, Denver, CO.

Dick married Barbara Jo Kress, his high school sweetheart, on August 21, 1965. He always remembered each anniversary and Valentine's Day with a card and hand written message to Barb.

He was a dentist in Chippewa Falls for 32 years, establishing Park Avenue Dental. After retiring, he worked for Rural Dental which provided dentistry to many area patients.

Dick was a member of Central Lutheran Church in Chippewa Falls, where he served on the church council, was congregational president and also sang in the choir. He loved attending church and sitting with all of his "pew friends." Dick was past president of the Chippewa Falls Optimist Club and also served as its Northwest District Governor. He was a member of the Chippewa Falls Elks Club Lodge #1326, where he served as chaplain and on many committees. His favorite was being involved in the planning of Lake Wissota Golf Club.

Dick enjoyed reading, camping, fishing, constructing and repairing golf clubs, boating with his grandchildren and sitting around the campfire in his yard. Besides his wife and family, Dick's passion was golf. He taught each of his sons to golf and took pride in their talents and sharing this activity with them. He really looked forward to golfing with his friends at Lake Wissota Golf. He was the founder of a "Fun Loving" golf group of eight couples which continued their annual golf weekend outing for 30 years. He enjoyed many adventurous fishing trips to Canada and Minn. with friends from Chippewa Falls. Dick was also involved with Chippewa Youth Hockey with his sons.

He loved family gatherings and took tremendous pride in the accomplishments of his sons. He will be remembered as a loving, kind, supportive partner and by his sons as "the smartest man I know."

The family would like to extend special gratitude and thank you to Dr. M. Muslim, Dr. R. Maniquiz, the Marshfield Center Care and especially the nurses and PCAs of Two North at Sacred Heart Hospital for their gentle, kind care of Richard.

Suvivors include his wife of 47 years, Barb; three sons, Michael L. Walk of Hudson, Steven J. (Michelle) Walk of Woodbury, MN, Jeffrey J. Walk of Eau Claire; five grandchildren, Brandon, Tessa, Gavin, Karis and Sophie Walk; three brothers, Dr. Charles W. (Donna Reinke) Walk of Waterford, twin brother, Robert J. (Sandra) Walk of Brookfield, Donald W. (Susan) Walk of Oconomowoc; mother-in-law, Virginia G. Kress of New Berlin; brother-in-law, Joseph J. (Christine) Kress, Jr. of Wauwatosa; nieces, nephews and many close, close friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his favorite father-in-law, Joseph J. Kress, Sr.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m., Saturday, December 22 at Central Lutheran Church, Chippewa Falls with Rev. Rick Hoyme officiating. Military honors will be conducted by the Chippewa Falls Patriotic Council.

Visitation will be from 12 p.m. until the time of the service Saturday at Central Lutheran Church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Dick's honor may be designated to the Chippewa Falls Christmas Village, c/o City Hall, 30 W. Central St., Chippewa Falls, WI 54729, Central Lutheran Church's Feed My People Fund or to a charity of your choice. Dick was one of many initial volunteers who helped string the Christmas lights in Irvine Park 25 years ago.

AFTERSERVICE:

A memorial service for Dr. Richard J. Walk, DDS, 70, of Chippewa Falls, town of Anson, was held at 2 p.m., Saturday, December 22 at Central Lutheran Church, Chippewa Falls. The Rev. Rick Hoyme officiated, music was provided by Christine Hitt, Eric Thompson and sons, Jeffrey and Michael Walk. Personal reflections were shared by brother, Donald Walk and friend, Pat Hare.