Richard Walker Obituary

October 13, 1941 – July 31, 2025
Richard LeRoy 'Dick' Walker, passed peacefully on Thursday, July 31, 2025 following a battle with a myriad of complications tied to Agent Orange exposure during his time in Vietnam.
Dick was born Monday, October 13, 1941, in St. Paul, MN. The second son of three boys born to Thomas D. Walker SR and Eleanore 'Dolly' Walker.
He was baptized and later confirmed in the Catholic faith.
Dick graduated from Monroe High School in St. Paul, MN on June 11, 1959. He enrolled in college following his graduation. Dick held jobs while going to school noting he only went to college for his mom.
On November 29, 1961, Dick was out on Crosby Lake and saved 2 Monroe High School Hockey players after they broke through the ice. He was later honored through awards, programs, and telegrams for this brave and heroic act, but he would brush off the accolades and respond that he regretted that he wasn't able to save the third boy.
In October of 1962, he started a job at Liberty Carton Company, which was then in Minneapolis. When he told them he was set to be married the week after his interview, the owner shook his hand in congratulations and told him he'd see him after his honeymoon- a sign of the long-standing relationship that would come.
On his birthday that year, he married Alice Kruize of Ely, MN.
Dick was drafted into the Army on November 9, 1966, at 25 years of age, just short of the draft cut off age. He served in the 39th Engineer Battalion as a Demolitions Expert. While out clearing a road on September 17, 1968, Dick was part of an ambush, later named 'the hook', that killed eight and injured twenty-three including him. Dick received a purple heart and an honorable discharge following this injury and officially joined the 'DD214 Club' on October 13, 1968.
Dick was welcomed back to his job at Liberty Carton following his service in Vietnam, and very shortly after that he and Alice divorced.
During his time at Liberty, Dick made many friends, one of which set him up on a date with a friend of his girlfriend.
Dick married Darlene Ann Schrupp on March 18, 1978. When Dick married Darlene, he also welcomed three children, Tony Alan, Troy John and Debbie Ann. He took great joy in a newfound role as a father and provider to his family. Dick and Darlene were later surprised, but happy to add to their family, when Dawn Marie was born in October of 1979.
Dick continued working at Liberty through the years, supporting and providing for his family. Alongside work, he
had many hobbies through those years including fishing, golf, shooting pool, gardening, pork roasts, making maple syrup and drinking a lot of Schmidt beer.
November of 2000, Darlene went into the hospital and Dick spent any time he wasn't at work sitting by her side until she later passed away in March of 2001.
Dick retired in 2004 after 42 years as a Lead Man with Liberty Carton, he was always proud to share his stories from his days working for them.
As he stepped into retirement, he revisited his time in Vietnam, and as he worked through those difficult memories he found solace in reconnecting with those he served with.
He discovered the 39th Engineer Battalion Alumni Association and began attending annual reunions which quickly became his most cherished yearly event.
In 2016, as his health complications grew, he moved in with his daughter Dawn and granddaughter Hani. He continued to do some traveling as he was able, especially to his cherished 39th reunion trips which now brought even more pride by him in including Dawn and Hani. He was able to see many places in the country that he loved so much.
In early 2024 his health was in a deep decline. On top of a long list of health issues he was diagnosed with MDS, a very rare blood and bone marrow cancer likely also caused by his exposure to Agent Orange. His diagnosis came with a short time window. Though alongside his many appointments, he had many good days.
His last year included many trips to the VA in St. Cloud where he built a genuine love for the team of nurses in the Infusion clinic and looked forward to each appointment just to see them and play them music from his song list on his phone.
His last year was also filled with a family tradition of breakfast every Sunday at Norm's with all his kids. Those few hours each week were what he looked forward to most and were his highlight of his last year.
Dick was welcomed to Heaven by his wife Darlene (Schrupp) Walker, father Thomas Walker SR, mother Eleanore 'Dolly' (Vorlickey) Walker, brothers Thomas JR and Gary, sisters in law Betty, Mary, & Gerri, Great Grand Daughter Elsie Ann Rose Kelly, Great Nephew Michael Montour JR, and many brothers in arms.
Dick is survived by his children, Tony (Lisa) Schroeder, Troy (Correen) Schroeder, Debbie (Jamie) Buoy, and Dawn WalkerMcAlpin, Grandchildren, Nathan (Sam) Schroeder, Kira Schroeder and fiancé Jon Ross Kelly, Miranda (Travis) Richards, Maddy Wisner, Trevor (Nayeli) Schroeder, Katelin Schroeder, Grant Schroeder and fiancé Jaiden Sundeen, Jordan Orth, Dr. Amanda Buoy, Timothy Buoy, and Hani Walker, Great Grand-Children, Kelsey, Oden, Axl, Olive, Charlotte, Colt, Austin, Waylon, Pruedence, Truett, and Madi, special 'bonus' daughter and granddaughter Tiisha and Savannah Stroud, Nieces, Nephews, many friends, his brothers in arms and his 39th Engineer Battalion family.
While Dick did not enjoy organized religion, he loved God, knew Jesus, and had both in his heart. He loved his country and was proud of his service for it, despite what it did to him. He was a simple man who loved music, pull tabs, chocolate, a good western, and a cup of hot coffee. He cherished his family both blood and bonded, more than life itself and only wished to make us proud.
Please join us in remembering him, all are welcome, The Peterson Chapel, Buffalo, MN.
Visitation on Wednesday, August 13, 3:00 pm – 7:00 pm.
Memorial service on Thursday, August 14, 9:00 am, with viewing 1-hour prior.
Please join the family for a short brunch reception immediately following the service.
Funeral procession will depart at 10:15 am for burial with honors at 11:30 am at Fort Snelling National Cemetery assembly area 6.
To honor the man he was, please come dressed casually and showing patriotism for your country.
To honor his memory, please, thank a Veteran.