John Walker

John Walker, 66, formerly of Grafton and Saukville, died from kidney and liver failure at his home in Newburg Sunday April 22.  

Mr. Walker was born in Chicago, Ill., on June 18, 1951, to Stephen and Mary Lou Hockapple Merrill.

He attended local schools before serving in the U.S. Marine Corps.

In the early 1970s, Mr. Walker moved to Grafton and worked for Norstar Aluminum, formerly Kelch Corp. He retired in 2014 as a foreman in the finishing department after more than 30 years on the job. 

During retirement, he stayed busy by working at Purpora Engineering in Saukville.

On August 24, 1984, Mr. Walker married Susan Helminiak. The couple settled in Grafton and later moved to Saukville.  

Mr. Walker was a former member of the Grafton Fire Department, the Saukville Moose Lodge, and the Saukville Lions. He enjoyed fishing near Pickerel Lake and going up north to the family trailer in Crivitz.  

According to his family, Mr. Walker loved the people, atmosphere and beaches of Jamaica, where he and his wife vacationed frequently.  

His family said he was the self-proclaimed “Saukville Jerk” because he enjoyed keeping his finger on the pulse of his community. He tended bar at the Railroad Station for several years and enjoyed cooking up specials like “The John Burger” and “John Pizza” for family and friends. He also won a few local chili contests.

Mr. Walker is survived by his wife Sue of Newburg; children Jennifer (Stuart) Engert of West Bend, Steven (Robyn) of Roberts, and Michael (Elena) of Greendale; eight grandchildren Miranda, Brooke, Brittany, Alex, Hannah, Mariana, Christopher and Anita.

He is further survived by brothers Charles and Gene Merrill, both of Indiana; and mother-in-law Mary Ann Helminiak of Stevens Point.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

A celebration of Mr. Walker’s life will take place on June 16 with times and location to be announced later.

Eernisse Funeral Home, Grafton, is handling the arrangements.