Bruce Walkup, 85, passed away Thursday, January 30, 2025 at his home in Orwell Township, rural Fergus Falls, Minnesota. He was born on March 21, 1939 in Staples, Minnesota to parents Lavelle and Ruby (Lindblom) Walkup. He attended grade school in the country school, District 261, one and three quarter miles from the Walkup farmstead and later graduated from Fergus Falls Senior High School in 1957. He continued working on the farm until the fall of 1959 when a hail storm demolished the crop and his dad told him he should look for a job. Bruce secured a job with the Minnesota State Highway Department. In 1962 Bruce was drafted into the U.S. Army and eventually stationed in Korea. Following his active-duty Bruce remained in the Army Reserves for 20+ years. His duties included winter training twice in Alaska, being sent home early on his last stint after suffering a broken leg in a skiing accident. He was a member of the local VFW. Upon returning home from active duty, he continued to work for the Minnesota Highway Department stationed mainly out of Detroit Lakes until retirement. After retirement he returned home full time, living with his mother, doing some farming and enjoying gardening, with many varieties of flowers and the farm animals.
He was a self-taught organist and played for services at Foxhome Methodist Church for many years and later some at the Peace Methodist Church in Fergus Falls. Bruce was an avid reader and especially enjoyed history (some saying even creating a little of it) and poetry.
Bruce is survived by his loving sister Connie Peterson, brothers John "Jack" Walkup and Jay Peter (Mavis) Walkup al of Fergus Falls; along with sisters-in-law Twila Walkup of Fergus Falls and Joanne Walkup of Dilworth, MN, and also many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, siblings and their spouses Janice (Jack) Walkup, Roger (Ardella) Walkup, Ralph Walkup, Bill Walkup, Mary (Don) Salter, and Kate (Steve) Homes.
The family would like to thank everyone and invite them to lunch and fellowship after the service.
Memorials are preferred to Campy Joy Bible Camp (Dent, MN), VFW Post 612 or your favorite charity.
Blessed be the memory of Bruce Walkup.
Memorial Service: 11:00 a.m., Saturday, March 22, 2025 at Olson Funeral and Cremation Chapel in Fergus Falls with a visitation one-hour prior to the service at the funeral home.
Clergy: Pastor Kevin Patch
Military Participation: Fergus Falls VFW Post 612 and Fergus Falls American Legion Post 30
Arrangements provided by Olson Funeral and Cremation in Fergus Falls.
Online condolences may be sent to www.olsonfunrealhome.com
Saturday, March 22, 2025
10:00 - 11:00 am (Central time)
Olson Funeral and Cremation
Saturday, March 22, 2025
11:00am - 12:00 pm (Central time)
Olson Funeral and Cremation
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