Margaret Walker

April 19, 1926 — August 1, 2024

Margaret (Banach) Walker, beloved daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend passed away on Thursday August 1, 2024 at the age of 98. She was the youngest daughter earning the nickname Babe, to Ignace and Margaret Banach, Polish immigrants who ventured to Michigan in the early 1900's looking for a better life. Baby sister to eleven siblings who all preceded her in death: Valeria, Estelle, Anthony, Stanley, John, Jennette, Lucillie, Mary, Rose, April and Walter. Margaret was born and raised in Menominee, MI. Her elementary education was at one of the many Catholic church schools in Menominee. She often recalled many stories about the nuns and priest who taught her. One such story is learning to play baseball from the nuns. When they hit the ball they would gather up their long habit skirt and run the bases. She was an accomplished pianist and graduated from Menominee High School in 1943. We don't know how accurate the class of '43 prophecy was for the rest of the class, but it seemed to be pretty accurate for mom. Predicted to be a fearless lion tamer in a circus, they weren't far off. Mom had her own circus of 8 children, whom she kept in line, a feat that amazed everyone around her, being shorter than all her children. She was the only one ever able to maintain control, often with a single look. After graduation Margaret began working for a local law firm, until her marriage in 1955 to Norbert Walker. They moved to Chicago after their marriage and later moved to Milwaukee and eventually settled in Cudahy WI to raise their eight children. She was a devoted catholic and one of the original members of St Sylvester Catholic Church in South Milwaukee. Marge spent her last years back in her childhood home in Menominee, Michigan, living with her son Norbert and her daughter Janine who was her devoted primary caregiver. This was a blessing for mom and the whole family that she was able to be in her home with family until the end. Marge enjoyed gardening and had the most beautiful and colorful roses in the neighborhood. She was accomplished at crocheting and knitting, creating sweaters, beautiful décor for the home and cozy blankets for her children and grandchildren. She loved doing crossword puzzles and often called her brother Walter to work on puzzles together and help each other work out the tough clues (pre-google times). She loved watching her "soaps" and her children knew not to bother her or call her during "The Edge of Night", "As the World Turns" and as recent as a couple years ago "The Young and the Restless". Marge had a good sense of humor and often was the cause of all the giggling that broke out in church. She was very supportive to her family, and long after her children were grown her home was still full of grandchildren who loved being there. She was sure to be at every major event from concerts, holiday performances, graduations from kindergarten to college, and weddings. Less than 2 years ago at the spry age of 96 she was determined to travel to Milwaukee for her granddaughter's wedding. In fact, even though she was beginning to slow down she insisted on staying until the music ended, much longer than many guests younger than her. Marge was a great cook and with 8 children was an expert at cooking for a large group and knew how to stretch a dollar. She enjoyed family get togethers and playing games, especially Rummy Royal, Yahtzee, and most of all cribbage. Marge and Norb's cribbage board was always on the table ready for a game, and they shared this love of the game with their children and grandchildren. Margaret was preceded in death by her parents, siblings, son-in-law Charlie Coughenour and her much loved husband Norb. She is survived by her daughters; Nadine Walker (Sam Howser), Marie Walker, Linda (Greg) Horbinski, Janine Walker, Margaret (Mike) Mann, Patrice Coughenour, Denise (Gerald) Witt, her son Norbert Walker, her grandchildren; Lian (Ryan) Mleziva, Jessica (Harry) Kasprzyk, Marlene Drollinger, Margaret (Wayne) Warren, Brandy (Jacob) Lauterbach, Virginia Mann, Casey Mann, John (Heather) Witt, Anna (Dustin) Swanson, Great Grandchildren; Octavia Petrie, Bryson Dollinger, Erick Lauterbach, Kenneth Warren, Selene Warren, Samantha Warren, Conway Witt and Vivian Witt. Further survived by many, nieces, nephews, cousins, and other extended family and friends. A celebration of Margarets life will be held on Friday August 9, 2024 at Divine Mercy Parish. The visitation will run from 10am to 11am, followed by a mass of Christian burial at 11am, and internment at Holy Sepulcher after In lieu of flowers donations in Margaret's name to The American Heart Association or the American Cancer society are appreciated. https://www.heart.org/ https://donate.cancer.org/

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Friday, August 9, 2024

10:00 - 11:00 am

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Divine Mercy Catholic Church

800 Marquette Avenue, South Milwaukee, WI 53172

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