Marguerite M. Walker

Marguerite Marie (Gaffney) Walker, 92, passed away at Luther Memorial Home on Monday, March 17, 2014. She was born on March 5, 1922 in Langdon, North Dakota to Roland and Daisy Gaffney. She was married to the love of her life, Daniel Walker on July 11, 1945 as he returned from duty in WWII.   Marguerite had a life-long love of education. She graduated from Mayville State College in 1943 with a Standard Certificate. She taught in rural schools in Crystal, Loma, and Cavalier, ND. She started a private kindergarten in their farm home. She would teach in the mornings while taking classes in the afternoon to complete her bachelor’s degree. She continued to teach Kindergarten in the school district until she retired in 1986. She was proud to have graduated over 1000 KinderKids throughout her career. Many still remember the paper hats and diplomas received during their graduation ceremonies. In 1981 Marguerite was nominated for North Dakota Teacher of the Year and in 1996 she received Mayville State University’s Distinguished Alumni Award.   Marguerite had a lot of other interests including travel, sporting events, the arts, gardening and her local parish. She loved attending to her massive garden and sharing the bountiful harvest with neighbors. Marguerite could be found in the bleachers for numerous sporting events, concerts and theatric productions of her children and grandchildren. She and Danny traveled thousands of miles, attending all the events that they could. They also enjoyed time spent with family and friends at the family lake cabin. Marguerite was happiest when surrounded by family and loved ones. She will be greatly missed.   Marguerite was very involved throughout the community, belonging to NDEA, NDAEYC, NEA, MPEA, American Legion Auxiliary, Our Lady of Peace Church, VFW Auxiliary, Delta Kappa Gamma (State President), Homemakers, Parent Teachers Association, MSU Quarterback Club, May-Port Booster Club, M-300 (President), POW Auxiliary, Retired Teachers (State President), and numerous school and community organizations and committees.   Marguerite is survived by her children, daughter Cheryl (Rob) Franch, Racine, WI, and sons, Donovan (Anne), Libby, MT; Dwight (Dana), Lake George, MN; Mark (Mary Lou), Fargo, ND; Scott, Valley City, ND; Kim, Birmingham, AL; Patrick (Deb), West Fargo, ND; Fred (Michelle), Bismarck, ND.; grandchildren, Nicole (Brad) Peter, Kristina (John) Van Slyke, Jill (Mike) Goertel, Bryan (LeAnn) Walker, Jennifer (Richie) Graham, Erin (Bradley) Beitz, Meghan (Chris) Moody, Jason Walker, Ryan (Amy) Walker, Thom Walker, Stephen (Lindsay) Walker, Angie (Rob) Moran, Westley Walker, Samantha Walker, Neely Walker, Willie Walker, Erika (Brandon) Yoney, Brianna Walker, Brendan Walker, Keely Walker, Alexander Walker, Jackson Walker, Mikaela Walker, Daniel Walker, Norah Walker, and her many great grandchildren. Also surviving are her brothers and sisters, Corrinne (Ronnie) Chapman, Eugene (Eloyce) Gaffney, Bonnie Olson, Terry (Ray) Dusek, and Br. Michael Gaffney; special Walker cousins, Robert, Michael, Laura and Larry, and their families; special family: Mari Walker, Jo Ewen, Jon, Mark, Beth and Anne Ewen; special friends John and Lorraine Gotteberg and June Hanson; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Marguerite was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Daniel Walker, her parents, her sister and brother-in-law, June and Louis Papenfuss, sister, Dolores Johnson, brother and sister-in-law, Tom and Lois Gaffney, daughter-in-law, Michelle Walker, son-in-law, Nick Esch, sister-in-law, Jane Walker Kegel and her husband, David Kegel, brothers-in-law, Robert Walker and Benson Walker, and nephew, Timothy Walker. Memorials may be directed to Mayville State University, Mayville/Portland Elementary Schools Foundation (early education needs), Our Lady of Peace Church, Goose River Heritage Museum, Sanford Medical Center Mayville (formerly known as Union Hospital), or Luther Memorial Home. Visitation: Will be 5 – 7 PM with a 7 PM Public Prayer Service on Sunday, March 23, 2014 at Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church and will resume one hour prior to the service at the church. Funeral Service: 10:30 AM Monday, March 24, 2014 at Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church in Mayville, ND. Burial: Mayville Cemetery, Mayville, ND.