Bruce W. Walker

Bruce W. Walker, age 54, of Hudson, WI, was diagnosed in 2020 with Pancreatic Cancer. After a fierce battle, he died quietly and peacefully with his family around him on August 23, 2024.

Bruce was born in Hastings to William "Buzz" and Sharon (Ziebarth) Walker on February 15, 1970. He graduated from Hastings High School, class of 1988. Afterwards he attended and graduated from the University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire in 1993. As a child, Bruce was a fierce competitor and enjoyed competing alongside his mom, dad, and older sister in their family bowling league. He was an amazing athlete who competed on Hastings High School’s basketball, cross country, and track teams, even holding a long-standing high jump record. Bruce was known throughout his life for his amazing sense of humor and his incredible ability to put people at ease and make them feel good. He could walk up to any stranger and strike up a conversation like he had known them forever. Bruce worked hard his entire life to support his family, and when he could no longer work, he chose to volunteer, delivering Meals on Wheels weekly. This brought him an even deeper sense of empathy for those around him and helped strengthen his spirituality and sense of purpose. Whether it was shoveling an elderly neighbor's driveway or giving a hardworking waiter an extra-large tip, Bruce found great fulfillment in doing unexpected small acts of kindness for others.

Above all else, Bruce was an amazing family man and friend. He treasured the time he was able to spend on various golf courses throughout the years with his friends and his dad. He loved to travel and was able to take many amazing trips across the country with his family. Bruce was known by his wife and daughter to always be down for an adventure while traveling, often encouraging them to walk across an entire city to try out a good restaurant. Bruce was a loving and dedicated father, husband, son, brother, and uncle. He was known as the family’s problem solver and was always available to help them with whatever they needed, no matter how big or small. Bruce was his wife’s champion and greatest supporter. They enjoyed walking through life together, and often found themselves at various vineyards, farmers' markets, walking trails, and overall, just enjoying life together. And Bruce took great joy in watching his daughter accomplish many achievements throughout her life. She is his greatest legacy, and he was immensely proud of all she did.

Bruce will be greatly missed by many, but his memory will live on in the hearts of those who were lucky enough to share life with him. Bruce is survived by his wife, Julie Walker; daughter, Clare (James Jackson) Walker; mother, Sharon Walker; sister, Susan (Gary) Heberlig; aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

Preceded in death by his father, William “Buzz” Walker, whom he missed tremendously.

In lieu of flowers, please consider doing a random act of kindness in Bruce’s honor - buy groceries for the stranger in front of you, volunteer for Meals on Wheels or a local animal shelter or check in on a friend or neighbor. Bruce’s family has also started a GoFundMe account, https://gofund.me/7c1b8d2b to accept donations online, or you can also send a check written out to Julie Walker or RCU with “Bruce Walkers Acts of Kindness Memorial” in the memo line, which will be deposited into a memorial bank account. Bruce's family will use these funds to fulfill random acts of kindness in Bruce's name, such as donating to an animal shelter to help a sick or hurt animal, buying someone's groceries, or providing financial assistance to a community member in need.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 3:30 PM on Friday, September 6, 2024, at Starkson Family Life Celebration Chapel, 3075 Vermillion St, Hastings, MN 55033, with a visitation from 3:00 to 3:30 PM prior to the services and then continuing until 7:00 PM.

Starkson Family Life Celebration Chapel is assisting with the arrangements.