Thelma Walker, 99, of Sturgeon Bay passed away April 7, 2024, with family and friends by her side. She was born October 8, 1924, in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin to Norwegian and German immigrants, Gustave and Frieda Forland. Thelma attended school in the Sturgeon Bay area, starting at Silverdale Elementary School and graduating from Sturgeon Bay High School in 1942. She attended Lutheran Deaconess Hospital School of Nursing in Chicago, Illinois graduating in 1945 with a Registered Nurse degree. During nurses training, Thelma was a Cadet Nurse at Mayo General Hospital in Galesburg, Ill. After receiving her RN degree, she worked for several years at Madison General Hospital Madison, Wisconsin. Thelma married Thomas J. Walker on May 24, 1947; they were married 36 years before his passing in 1984. Although Thelma lived the majority of her life in Sturgeon Bay, she also lived in Green Bay for a time where she made many good friends. Thelma was a homemaker and raised 5 children. She loved and appreciated art, books, gardening, music, theater, quilting and couldn’t resist picking up a really great rock from the beach. Over the years, Thelma volunteered for many community events and causes. She was recognized for her quilting and needlecraft work, making banners for events and local churches. She was a member of Hope Church, the PEO Sisterhood, and the Miller Art Center. Thelma was proud of her heritage and was a member of the Sons of Norway. She learned the art of Rosemaling, following in the steps of her great-grandfather. Her familial roots were deep within Door County which led her to be a member of the Door County Historical Society. She shared her knowledge with the community through cemetery walks, volunteer work and casual conversation. Survivors include, her children, Steve Walker of Madison, Wisconsin and Sturgeon Bay, Scott Walker of Sturgeon Bay, Kris (Dave) Walker-Widby of Anchorage, Alaska, Anne-Marie (David) Schwarz of Clearwater, Florida. Grandchildren: Alex Walker, Brett Walker, Erin (Widby) McGregor, Alyssa Widby, Emma Schwarz and Zoe Schwarz, Great-grandchild: Madison McGregor, many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, siblings Heinz Radtke of Grand Rapids, Michigan, Ruth Lomberg and Evelyn Winkler of Seal Beach California, husband Tom Walker, and son Daniel Walker of Galveston, Texas. Thelma was also preceded in death by her dear friend Dr. Clyde ‘Hap’ Smith, whose friendship she cherished. A Celebration of Life is being planned for October 2024, details to be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers memorials can be given in her name to Hospice. Forbes Funeral Home in Sturgeon Bay is assisting the family. On-line condolences may be offered at forbesfuneralhome.com Special thanks to Terry Kazmar, who loved and supported Thelma in her later years. Thank you to Preceptor Hospice nurses and social worker, Kori, Christine, and Maria and the staff at The Courtyard at Bellevue, Green Bay.
