Milton Howard Walker
September 2, 1933 – October 30, 2023
Milton Howard Walker was born on September 2, 1933, in Cortez, Colorado and peacefully passed away on October 30, 2023, at the age of 90 years old. He was the third of four children born to Robert (Bob) and Lela Walker. He had an older sister, Colleen, an older brother, Martin, and a younger brother, Lyle.
Growing up, Milt loved horses and horseback riding. One of his earliest prized possessions was a hand-tooled leather saddle which he kept his entire life. After graduating from high school in Kuna, Idaho, Milt attended the University of Idaho for a short time and joined the boxing team, which he would later continue to pursue while stationed in Europe. In 1954, Milt was drafted into the Army where he started off his military career as a private and eventually rose to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.
While he was stationed in Germany in 1955, he met the love of his life, Ilse Hedwig Denninger. Excited to start their lives together, the two were married on December 2, 1956, at Shepard AFB in Wichita Falls, Texas. They had three children Alan, Karen, and Gary. The family lived all over the world and enjoyed many adventures together.
During his military career, Milt was stationed in Germany, Italy (twice), Iran, and Turkey, as well as multiple locations in the United States, including Kansas, Ohio, Texas, Alabama, and Washington. Milt also did a tour of duty in Vietnam in 1967 – 1968 as a Commanding Officer in the 1 st Air Cavalry Division. Upon returning from Vietnam, Milt completed his bachelor’s degree from Kent State University. He retired from the military in 1979, after 25 years of distinguished service.
Milt’s passion for flying as an Army aviator, especially helicopters, continued in the private sector after his retirement from the military. This passion took him on flights around the world and even over Mt. St. Helens following the eruption in 1980, providing tourists a birds-eye view of the mountain.
Milt and Ilse spent their golden years of retirement in the beautiful mountain town of Cascade, Idaho. Milt was an avid outdoorsman and loved fishing, hunting, and gardening. He also enjoyed working on their home that was originally built by his parents. Later in life, he became a loving grandfather to eight grandchildren, as well as eight great-grandchildren. Milt will always be remembered by his great sense of humor, his warm hospitality to friends and neighbors, and his devotion to his family. He leaves behind a troop of family that will miss him dearly, especially his beloved wife.
Milton is survived by his wife of 67 years, Ilse, his two sons Alan (Debbie) and Gary (Mitzi), his eight grandchildren Joshua Cody (Trista), Lela Cooper (Ryan), Chris Walker (Diana), Erika Cody, Emily Staurulakis (Doug), Kayla Esparza (Truth), Cody Walker, and Karlee Walker, as well as his eight great-grandchildren Christian, Ruby, Kaydence, Liam, Jack, Joshua Jr., Milton, and Leo. Milton is also survived by many nieces and nephews.
Milton was preceded in death by his loving daughter Karen, his parents Robert and Lela, and his siblings Colleen, Martin, and Lyle.
A viewing will be held on November 13, 2023, at 11:00 am at Bowman Funeral Home in Boise, Idaho. Followed by a burial at Idaho State Veterans Cemetery at 2:00 in the afternoon.