Belvidere, ILGertrude Walker, Loving Wife, Mother, Grandmother and GGGertrude Walker was born to Axel and Signe (Anderson) Walberg on March 3, 1930 in Belvidere, IL. Lived on a farm north of Garden Prairie for ten years and had lived in Belvidere since. Married Francis H. Walker on August 1, 1947.Was graduated from Belvidere High School in 1946. She received a B.S. in Education, degree from Northern Illinois University and a Master of Arts in Teaching, degree from Rockford College. Taught in Community Unit #100 for twenty-six years, retiring in 1985.Was an active member of the Belvidere Education Association serving as faculty representative, executive committee member, Vice-president and President. Was a negotiator for twelve years and served as membership chairperson for 15 years. By resolution of the BEA, was awarded special recognition in deep appreciation for many years of invaluable service for Belvidere students, teachers, IEA and NEA.Was on the executive board and was vice-chairperson of the NW Division of the Illinois Education Association. Was on the executive board, vice-chairperson and chairperson of Region 2 of IEA and served on the state board of directors of IEA. Attended 15 annual IEA conventions.Attended 10 annual National Education Association conventions. Was honored to be invited to attend the National Salute to Education in Washington, D.C.Was a member of BEA, Life member of IEA, NEA and IEA Retired. Life member of Illinois Retired Teachers Association and member of the Boone County Chapter.Belonged to Alpha Delta Kappa Honorary Society, Alpha Psi Chapter and Delta Kappa Gamma Society International, Beta Gamma Chapter. She taught kindergarten in Community Unit #100 for twenty-six years, retiring in 1985. She loved her students. She loved their excitement and enthusiasm for learning. She taught so many years that she eventually taught the children of her former students.The retirement years went by so quickly. She and her husband, Francis, were fortunate to spend the winter months in Florida. For the past five years, their daughter, Linda, took loving care of them. They were able to spend twenty-two years in Florida, first in Eustis, then in Winter Haven. Gertrude was a member of the Oakwood Free Spirits Red Hat group. At one time, she also taught crafts in the retirement parks they lived in.She was an avid reader. She loved to do crafts. She was a champion at organizing and holding her yearly garage sales. She would plan and prepare for weeks so that everything was packaged and labeled perfectly. She had many repeat customers who came year after year telling her that they had been watching for the sale. She loved talking to them.She was a very loving and caring lady. She took great pride in her family and their accomplishments. Her six great-grandchildren were her pride and joy. She would light up so much when they came to visit. She will be missed so very much by all who loved her.Survivors include husband, Francis H. Walker; daughter, Linda Ball of Belvidere; sons, Larry (Joanne) Walker of Rockford, Lon Walker, Lyle (Dorothy) Walker of Belvidere, Loren Walker of Machesney Park. Grandchildren are Eric (Michelle) Walker of Kingston, Christopher (Angela) Ball of Pewaukee, WI, Amber Walker of Rockford, David Walker of Belvidere, Angela Walker of Machesney Park, Bobbi Walker and Kyle Walker of Belvidere, Ryan (Tara) Walker of Caledonia, Tobi (Jim) Ditemeger of Swartz Creek, MI; great grandchildren, Tristen and Allie Hammer, Madysen Gifford and Abigayle Hughart, Heather and Hannah Walker; brother Franklin (Donna) Walberg of Charlotte, NC and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by granddaughter, Jessica Lynn Ball; sisters, Elizabeth Martin, Viola Carlson, Ethel Lockhart, Ruth Swanlund and brother, Edwin Walberg.

A memorial will be established with the American Diabetes Association in Gertrude's name.