Michael J. Walker

Walker, Michael James, 59, of Phoenix, died peacefully on December 30, 2014 at the Mayo Clinic surrounded by his loving family.  Mike was born on May, 11, 1955 in Waterloo, Iowa, the son of Dr. John Walker and Elizabeth Murray Walker.  He graduated from West High School where he played football and sang with the Young Americans.  He graduated from Creighton University  in Omaha, Nebraska.  He began working  at IBM and had a long career in medical sales with several national companies where he won many national sales awards.  Mike loved the outdoors, especially boating and water skiing at his beloved Lake Okoboji in Iowa.  He also loved golf, fly fishing & classic cars.  He was known for his gentle soul and loving personality.  He was smart, selfless and always positive.  Mike was an excellent cook and had a remarkable ability to quote random, useless facts.  His big, hearty laugh will be missed by family and friends alike.  Michael loved his girls, including his dog “Laney.”  Mike is survived by his two daughters Lindsay and Natalie, his former wife Olivia, sister Debbie(Glen) Petersen, John(Terri) Walker Jr., Martha(Ross) Johnston, Susan(Jim) Crouse, all of Waterloo, Trisha(Phil) Leese, of Leawood, KS, Margie(Chris) Heib, of Fargo, ND, Marietta Mershon, of Leawood, KS and Elizabeth Schoenberger of Avon, CT.  Also surviving Mike are 24 nieces & nephews and 34 great-nieces & nephews. A visitation is scheduled from 5:00pm to 8:00pm, with a Rosary at 7:00pm, Monday, January 5, 2015.  Mass is scheduled at 10:00am, Tuesday, January 6, 2015 at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, 4715 N. Central Avenue in Phoenix.  In lieu of flowers, please make a memorial contribution to the St. Francis Xavier Capital Campaign Fund, 4715 N. Central Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85012.