Richard Lisle Walker, 84, of Milwaukee and Washington Island, Wisconsin, beloved husband of Melissa Watson Walker, brother-in-law of Frank Watson, of Greenville, died Wednesday, August 10, 2022.

Rich was born May 3, 1938 and raised in Oak Park, IL where he graduated from Oak Park-River Forest High School. He attended Miami University in Oxford, OH where he received his business degree in 1960 and sang in the Men’s Glee Club. He joined the U.S. Navy after graduation as part of the Officer-Candidate School program. He was an Assistant Gunnery Officer, Lt. (jg) on the USS Gaynard stationed in Newport, RI. He loved regaling family with his Navy stories. Rich received his MBA from Loyola University Chicago and worked for Harris Bank for over 30 years.

He and Melissa raised their two daughters in La Grange, IL where Rich was actively involved with the public schools and the Congregational Churches in La Grange and Western Springs. Before moving to Milwaukee, he and Melissa lived in Burr Ridge where Rich sang with a west suburban men’s group, The Jolly Boys. For over 50 years, he enjoyed spending summers on Washington Island where he loved being on the water and spending time with family and Island friends. He was a member of the Rotary Club of Milwaukee and American Legion Post 402 on Washington Island.

He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Melissa, daughters Sarah (Bryant) Krauss and Mary (Alex) Kramer, as well as his four grandchildren, Charlie and Ben Krauss and Henry and Shirley Kramer, nephew, Paul Shadle (Monica Drane) and nieces, Margaret Foss (Kirby) and Martha Nerenhausen (Mark) and other extended family members. Rich was proceeded in death by his sister, Mary Lou, and parents Carl and Cay Walker.

A small graveside service will occur with family at Graceland Cemetery in Chicago. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his name to the following organizations:

Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation, https://www.pulmonaryfibrosis.org

Washington Island Art and Nature Center, https://wianc.org

Washington Island Music Festival, https://www.washingtonislandmusicfestival.com