Edna N. Walker, age 93 of Baldwin, passed away peacefully Sunday, May 5, 2013 at Deerfield Gables in New Richmond, WI. Edna Nordica Gillespie was born September 18, 1919 in Harris, Iowa, the daughter of James and Etta (Staines) Gillespie. She attended grade school in Canby and Chokio, MN, graduating from Alberta High School, the class of 1937. After high school, Edna furthered her education in business by attending West Central School of Agriculture, now known as the University of Minnesota at Morris. Throughout her adult life, Edna worked various jobs as a secretary, but most often as a bookkeeper. She was particularly proud of the fact that she was able to “do her part” during World War II, working as a civil servant at Fort Benning Army Base in Georgia.

Edna was united in marriage on September 4, 1942 to Howard Walker at Federated Methodist Church in Morris, MN. Edna and Howard’s marriage was blessed with 7 children: Robert, Howard Jr., Judith, Roger, Patrick, Sherry and Todd.

Edna and Howard spent the early years of their marriage in Morris, Minnesota. In 1958, they moved to the Twin Cities, and in 1971, they moved to their 200-acre farm at Baldwin, WI.

Edna enjoyed life, even when it meant hard work, but most of all, she loved her family, and her activities were almost always for the benefit of others. Her home was a welcoming place where there was always fresh baked bread, a home cooked meal, and plenty of love and laughter. Edna liked to crochet, because even while resting, she was accomplishing something, and she proudly crocheted an afghan for each member of the family. Edna also enjoyed farm life, gardening, playing cards and dancing. When she was raising her children, she taught Sunday school, and volunteered as a leader for Girls Scouts, Boy Scouts, and 4H. Edna was a long time member of the Baldwin American Legion Auxiliary.

Edna will remain in the hearts of her children: Robert (Annette) Walker of Roseville, Judith (David) Jessup of Stillwater, Roger Walker of Baldwin, Patrick (Vivian) Walker of Hastings, Sherry (Vern Gerhardt) Walker of Baldwin, Todd (Susan) Walker of Baldwin; 16 grandchildren; and 17 great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Howard Sr.; son, Howard Jr.; parents, James and Etta Gillespie; brothers, Art, Don, Ernest, Leonard, Gordon and Dale; sisters, Ina Gillespie, Sadie Rasmussen and Vera Kraayenbrink.

A Memorial Gathering will be held from 9:00 AM until 11:00 AM Saturday, May 18, 2013 at O’Connell Family Funeral Home in Baldwin. Funeral Services will take place 11:30 AM Saturday, May 18, 2013 at the First Reformed Church, 1120 Eleventh Ave., Baldwin, with Rev. Tim Sluiter officiating.

Private interment will take place at Fort Snelling National Cemetery in Minneapolis, MN.  Edna’s granddaughters will serve as urn bearers.  Memorials preferred to the Baldwin American Legion Auxiliary or the First Reformed Church of Baldwin. Funeral services have been entrusted to the O’Connell Family Funeral Home of Baldwin (715) 684-3434