Shirley Ione Walker

With heavy hearts, the family of Shirley Ione Walker of Spencer would like to share the news of her passing on August 29th, 2024, surrounded by her loving family. Shirley was born in Omaha to Neils and Ione (DeVol) Johansen. Shirley met the love of her life, Arnie Walker, in high school math class at Benson High in Omaha. Because the country was at war, they both graduated in January. Arnie went to Fort Leonard Wood and Shirley tried to find a job. Her first war-effort job was at an egg factory making powdered eggs. She had to break open the eggs and smell them. A few rotten eggs and half formed chicks ended that career. She didn’t even go back for her pay check. She did eventually end up at Mutual of Omaha.

In January of 1946, Arnie got an emergency leave and they got married while he was home. Arnie returned to Fort Sill in Oklahoma and when he arranged housing, she was able to join him. It was her first time on a train and being away from Omaha.

After returning to Omaha when Arnie was out of the service, they moved into a farmhouse. The outhouse and bathing in the milk house was a very rude awakening for a “city girl”. While they lived there, Sharon was born in 1947 and Steven in 1948. They did finally get a house in the Benson area of Omaha and Vicki was born there in 1951.

In 1955, Arnie was transferred to Spencer by Storz Brewery. The opportunity arose for Arnie to buy the business and Shirley joined right in to help by keeping books. She was always available when Arnie needed help tending bar or cooking when tap accounts had grand openings. As the kids got older, she was also active in school activities, PTA and was a Girl Scout leader.

After they retired, Shirley and Arnie were able to finally do some traveling, including two trips to Hawaii, two cruises and many trips with their bank friends. She enjoyed reading puzzles and an afternoon gin game and toddy with Arnie.

Shirley is survived by her daughters; Sharon Jorgensen and Vicki Johannsen, daughter in law; Sheila Walker, seven grandchildren; Ben (Mandy) Jorgensen, Justin (Misti) Jorgensen, Toshia Johannsen, Ryan (Sharon) Johannsen, Stephanie Zahrt, Stacie (Mike) Bjornson, Jamie Walker (Kris Sheley), 14 great grandchildren; Cale, Quinn, Alex and Sam Jorgensen, Zoe, Zandra (Blake Hatch) and Zarah Zahrt, Tateum and Broedy Casey, Braxton, Alyvia and Brayden Bjornson, Emmersen and Landen Griffin, one great-great grandson; Stryker Hatch.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 72 years, her son Steven, her parents, two brothers and son in law Kenny.