John Ray Walker

It is with broken hearts that the family of John Walker of Baldwin, Wisconsin, shares the news of his passing. John was a quiet light whose kindness and generosity were an example to all of us who knew him. While he often failed to hold his tongue, his words were always from a place of caring and grace. He will be missed beyond measure.

John Ray Walker was born on June 6, 1949, in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota, to Melvin and Betty (Denzer) Walker. In 1950, his family moved to southeastern Wisconsin, eventually settling in Oak Creek, Wisconsin. He graduated from Oak Creek High School before attending the University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire. In 1972, John joined the staff of Baldwin-Woodville High School in Baldwin, Wisconsin, and would teach mathematics there for over 30 years before retiring in 2004. Never one to be idle, John spent his retirement devoted to his love of woodworking, crafting dozens of pieces for family, friends, and members of the Baldwin-area community. John often gave his time to the community, working diligently for the Baldwin Community Food Pantry and Gethsemane Lutheran Church of Baldwin, as well as other causes. On August 16, 2026, John passed on to a greater mission, leaving this earthly plane.

John is survived by his two children, Katie and Trevor (Doris); two grandchildren, Aria and Summer; his brother, Danny; his sister, Becky (Ron); his nephews, Tim (Kim) and Nick (Sammy); and his niece, Kristin (Chris).

A memorial service will be held for John at Gethsemane Lutheran Church, 1350 Florence Street, Baldwin, Wisconsin 54002, on Saturday, October 3, 2026, with a visitation from 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. followed by a service at 1:00 p.m. John will be interred at Forest Hill Memorial Park, 3301 E. Forest Hill Avenue, Oak Creek, Wisconsin 53154, on Monday, October 5, 2026, at 10:30 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a generous gift to the Baldwin Community Food Pantry (https://www.baldwinpantry.com/) in John’s name, but more importantly, be kind, gracious, and generous to those around you.

Funeral services have entrusted to O'Connell Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Baldwin. For more information or to share a memory, please visit www.oconnellfuneralhomes.com or call 715-684-3434.