Arlene J Walker

Arlene J. Walker Arlene Joycelyn Walker, age 89, of Lake Crystal, died Monday, January 4, 2016 at Hillcrest Health Care Center, Mankato after a short battle with cancer.

Funeral Service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, January 9, 2016 at the First Presbyterian Church, Lake Crystal with Rev. Randal Lubbers officiating. Burial will be in Jerusalem Cemetery, rural Lake Crystal. Visitation will be held from 4-6 p.m., Friday at Lake Crystal Mortuary and will continue one hour prior to service at the church on Saturday. Memorials may be given to the American Cancer Society or donor’s choice. Arlene was proud of being a 58+ year cancer survivor!!

Arlene was born to John and Iva (Morris) Hughes on a farm in Butternut Township on August 13, 1926. She graduated from Lake Crystal High School in 1944. She was united in marriage to Glen R. Walker on October 13, 1946 at the Cambria Federated Church. She and Glen farmed outside of Lake Crystal until 1960. They enjoyed their sons’ softball/basketball games and wrestling matches, etc. If events were at different locations, they would split up so one of them was always at each of the events. They took part of the farm land and made a softball field out of it for all their friends and neighbors to come over and use. Judson Township’s “Field of Dreams”. Arlene worked for Coca Cola for several years and then went to work for Mankato Oil Company for 25 plus years. In her retirement years she also worked for Deal Chiropractic in Lake Crystal and helped out at Mankato Oil when needed. She often said she retired 4-5 times. She loved working and being with people.

She was an avid piano/organ player and gave many lessons. She also entertained guests at the Cat N’ Fiddle Supper Club for many years. She loved to sew, knit, crochet (we have many afghans to remember her by), bake (yummy recipes to use), garden and read. She had a green thumb and had a nursery on the farm for a few years. She loved working on the family genealogy and was still in touch with her relatives in Wales at her passing. She will be remembered for her love of cats, dogs, and all animals. Friends and acquaintances would comment to family on meeting her that she was one of the nicest people they had ever met. She saw the best in everyone and felt that attitude was the key to having a good life. She would say it’s easier to smile than frown. She epitomized selflessness. Over the years she hugged us tight as we cried, saw us fall and picked us up, cheered us on, and kept us strong. Her family was her pride and joy. She will be missed by many but we have lots of memories to keep her close to our hearts.

Arlene is survived by her “My Three Sons”, Bradley (Karen) Walker of North Mankato, Randon Walker of St. Paul, Roderick Walker of Lake Crystal; six grandchildren, who spent many hours as kids having fun on the farm, Tricia (Ari Perry) Walker of Massachusetts, Jeffrey (Kristen) Walker of Prior Lake, Jillian (Rob Brach) Walker of Eden Prairie, Jessica Rasmussen of Prior Lake, Jodi Walker of Lake Crystal, Jeremy Walker of Montevideo; five great-grandchildren, Hannah Rasmussen, Judson, Iva, Cole, and Presley Walker; and a niece, Terri Henning-Wallace of Lake Crystal.

Arlene was preceded in death by her husband, Glen on February 11, 2005; parents; brother, Arlyn and sister-in-law, Dorothy.