Harold J. ‘Duke’ Walker

ESCANABA — Harold J. “Duke” Walker, 79, of Escanaba, passed away unexpectedly at his home on October 13, 2023, of natural causes.

He was born on November 23, 1943, in Escanaba, son to Arthur W. and Mildred J. (Fuller) Walker. Duke graduated from Holy Name High School in 1962.

On August 8, 1964, Duke married the former Patricia Jean LaFleur in Escanaba.

Duke worked as a delivery driver for UPS for 30 years, retiring in 1998.

An avid outdoorsman, Duke enjoyed side by side riding, hunting, going to camp, supervising syrup making at the “Sugar Shack,” and spending time with family and friends.

He was a lifelong member of the Elks Lodge 354 and St. Joseph and St. Patrick Church.

Among survivors include his wife, Pat of Escanaba; children, Wendy (Joe) Summers of Manitowoc, Wis., Wade (Sally) Walker of Escanaba, and Marci (Lea) Ellis of Iron Mountain; grandchildren, Breanne and Ciara Summers, Jacob and Joseph Walker, Amber (Dan) Smetek and Erika (Dylan) Ellis; great-grandchildren, Ella, Gauge, Sage, Mylah, Carter, and Hunter; sisters, Doreen Liukkonen and Donna Belanger; and numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Cheryl (Robert) Pepin; and brothers-in-law, Francis Lessard, Hank Liukkonen, and Elmer Belanger.

A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Tuesday, Oct. 17 at noon at St. Joseph and St. Patrick Church with Rev. Tim Ferguson officiating. A meal will immediately follow in the church hall.

Burial will be in Gardens of Rest Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Gary Abrahamson, Jr. Memory Care Center. A message of condolence may be directed to the family by visiting www.crawfordfuneralhomes.net.

The Crawford Funeral Homes are assisting the family.