Wayne Walker

Wayne M. Walker, 62, Bismarck, ND, passed away on May 13, 2024 after a lengthy battle with cancer with his wife, Tina, by his side.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at 11:00 AM, Friday, May 17, at Parkway Funeral Service, 2330 Tyler Pkwy, Bismarck.

Wayne was born on March 9, 1962 in Ipswich, SD to Marjorie (O’Neill) and Orville Walker.  Joined by sisters, Kristie and Carol, his early upbringing brought on his love of the outdoors. Wayne credited his parents for his love of fishing, his bowling finesse and love of pinochle.  As the youngest in the family, he was doted on by his mom, dad and   sisters — always the apple of their eyes.  Raised in   Aberdeen, SD, Wayne graduated high school in 1980.

After graduation, Wayne moved to Jamestown, ND where he would begin his 24 year career in the food industry.  Love sparked over the salad bar at Bonanza Restaurant where he met his wife, Tina Frey and married in 1984.  Wayne and Tina would welcome a daughter, Casey, and a son, Cody.

In 1987, Wayne and Tina moved to Phoenix where Wayne joined Wendy’s Restaurants. Wayne held multiple levels of management positions within Wendy’s and the family moved numerous times for Wayne to oversee restaurants in Phoenix, Seattle, Casper, and Las Vegas.  

Wayne and Tina moved to Bismarck in 2006 where Wayne began a second career in sales. He worked for Indigo Signs and Bismarck Sign Company where he was employed at the time of his passing.

Wayne’s childhood pastime of fishing carried on throughout his life.  As a true outdoorsman, Wayne loved spending time with friends and family enjoying hunting, fishing, and nature.  His dry wit was in full action during card games. Wayne would frequently outbid Tina during pinochle creating friendly frustration and high bids!  His love of cards, spending time with Tina in their boat, binge-watching movies, settling in for an exciting game of Twins baseball or Vikings football and listening to his grandson, Ryker provided some of his most enjoyable times.

Family, friends, and numerous auto and boat salespeople lost a great one.  See ya later, Wayne.

Wayne is survived by his wife of 40 years, Tina, daughter Casey Melvin (Ryan), Las Vegas, NV; son Cody Walker, Fargo, ND; grandson Ryker Melvin; sisters Kristie Schnoor (Mark), Aberdeen, SD; Carol Gloden (Mike), Des Moines, IA; parents-in-law Penny (Eldon) Cresap, Bismarck, ND; Robert (Sharon) Frey, Clitherall, MN; sisters-in-law Dawn (Dale) Bloom, Regina, SK, Canada; Tonya (Jon) Gackle, Alexandria, MN, numerous nieces and nephews and special friends, Clyde Lewis, John McQuillen,   Jody Dawson, Alex Lund and Dennis Sailer.

Wayne was preceded in death by his parents.