Dean R. Walker

PORTAGE – Dean R. Walker, age 90, of Portage, passed away peacefully on Sunday, December 7, 2025, following a short stay at Riverwood Eagles Nest, in Wisconsin Dells, surrounded by the love of his family.

Dean was born on June 23, 1935, in Tower City, North Dakota, the son of Erwin and Ella (Doering) Walker.  His first love was Dori, followed by all things related to the farm.  Dean spent 84 years living and working on his family farm.  He loved to plant and raise crops, he was an innovator and a true steward of the land.  Dean took pride in having the straightest rows of corn in the neighborhood.  He went to the University of Wisconsin – Madison, where he earned his Bachelor of Science Degree in Agriculture, and met his future wife.  Dean was on the UW crew, where he had the opportunity to go to the Olympics, but instead he came home to help his father, who had taken ill.  He was married to Dori Elmer on December 22, 1957.  Dean was a member of Briggsville United Methodist Church.  Together with his wife, Dori, they built a successful dairy farm. Dean served on the Lewiston Town Board, was Chairman on the Alto Coop Creamery Board and served 18 years on the Farm Credit Board. Dean completed his last harvest in 2025 and lived his dream until the end.

He is survived by four children, Susan (Peter) Leahy, John (Marci) Walker, Tim (Tracy) Walker and Thomas (Jacquelyn) Walker; his grandchildren, Nicholas (Jessica) Leahy, Alli and Brett Walker, Gracie, Libby and Emmy Walker, Nora and Nash Walker; his great-grandchildren, Winston and Sophia Leahy; his brother-in-law, Bob (Jane) Elmer; his sisters-in-law, Heidi (Russ) Wilbert, Mary Walker and Helen Walker; other relatives and many friends. He was preceded in death by his wife, Dori, his parents, Erwin and Ella, brothers, Joe, Erwin and Marvin.

Funeral services will be at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 13, 2025, at Briggsville United Methodist Church, with the Rev. Jim Cotter officiating.  Inurnment will be at a later date in Briggsville Protestant Cemetery. Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. on Saturday at the church.

A special thank you to Bob and Jane Elmer for their love and care, SSM Hospice and the staff at Riverwood for their kindness and hospitality.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Briggsville United Methodist Church.

The Pflanz Mendrala Funeral Home, in Portage, is assisting the family.