John Delos Walker

The family of John Delos Walker is deeply saddened to announce his passing on January 19th, 2026. Born on December 31, 1939 in St. Paul, Minnesota, he was raised on the east side, working as a trusted “bottle boy” at the local grocery store. He played football for Harding High School and graduated from there in 1958.

John received his BA in Business from Winona State University in 1963 and worked as an auditor and an insurance claims manager at The St. Paul Companies for many years.

John married his “one and only love,” Betty Benham, in 1966. Settling in Newport, they raised three daughters, Jill, Jennifer and Sarah, who were the light of John’s life. John and Betty fostered several children in their home as well.

John lived a life of leadership and service to his community, most notably serving as mayor of Newport, Minnesota in the 1980s. He was an avid volunteer especially when it came to youth and families, the local chamber of commerce, community education and affordable housing. He was a faithful member of Newport Lutheran Church, serving as church president and in many other capacities.

John’s hobbies included playing football for many years and later following Minnesota football, baseball and basketball. He loved swimming, boating, fishing and waterskiing. One of the things that wowed his wife Betty in their early days was his slalom waterskiing skills! Betty would drive the boat, and he’d say, “Hit it, BB!” He also loved camping and road trips. In later life, he enjoyed writing and woodworking and made wooden “booties” for some of his grandchildren. During retirement, he and Betty loved wintering in Fort Myers, Florida.

Unfortunately, John battled several illnesses later in life, including two bouts of multiple myeloma in the early 2000s, Parkinson's disease, and stroke. Lucky for him, Betty is a nurse and he became her #1 patient. She faithfully cared for him at their home in Woodbury, Minnesota for the past 23 years. John was thankful to be a 23 year survivor of multiple myeloma.

John is survived by his wife of 59 years, Betty (nee Benham) Walker; daughters, Jill (Paul) Daniels, Jennifer (Jay Miners) Smith, and Sarah (Josh) Craig; beloved grandchildren, Amber Sterud , Daniel Sterud, Emma Danbury (Mattias Danbury), Aidan Danbury, Erik Daniels, Laura Daniels, William Craig, Mary Daniels, Benjamin Craig and Hazel Craig; sister-in-law, Dawn Walker and many nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Delos and Vivian Walker and brother, Richard Walker.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, February 7, 2026 at Newport Lutheran Church at 11 am, with a visitation beginning at 10 am, also at the church.

Memorials to Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity https://www.tchabitat.org/donate/memorial-gift