Irvin Wayne Tooker

Irvin Wayne Tooker, age 91, passed away on Saturday, May 25, 2024, at Essentia Health in Brainerd, Minnesota. Irvin was born on September 23, 1932, in Barnard, South Dakota to Wayne and Ruth (Warne) Tooker. 

Irvin enjoyed growing up on a farm from 7th grade on. He attended elementary school at Westport, Aberdeen and Barnard, South Dakota, and graduated from Barnard High School. He attended college at South Dakota State Collage at Brookings, South Dakota. Irvin married Shirley Siemann on December 27, 1952, and they were married for 56 years before her death on January 25, 2009. 

From 1957-1988, Irv worked in and managed Grain Elevators and was also a Crop Adjustor in South Dakota, Kansas, and Minnesota. Irv and Shirley “retired” to Walker, MN in 1988, built a home in Akeley and enjoyed all that living in the “North Woods” has to offer. He loved to fish, pheasant hunt and enjoyed woodworking in his shop. His other passion in life was baking. Many people have enjoyed his creations from breads, and cookies, to a variety of other sweets. 

Irv proudly served in the US Army during the Korean War. He joined the American Legion in 1955 and had been a continuous member for 72 years. During his time as a member in served in many positions including Post Officer and District Command. He was active in the American Legion Post 134 in Walker MN. He loved spending time there making many new “friends and family” along the way. He loved playing Bingo and the time he spent with his “Bingo Buddies.”  He was also a Life Member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) and American Legion 40/8 member since 1959. 

Irv is survived by his sister Carol (Jim) Rose; two sons: Brian (Karen) Tooker, and Kevin (Sheila) Tooker; and one daughter, Lori (Bob) Soukup; and he dearly loved his 30 plus Grandchildren, Great-Grandchildren, Great-Great Grandchildren as well as numerous beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Shirley; two sons, Steve, and Mark; daughter-in-law, Mary; and his parents.

Visitation will be held from 4 to 6PM on Friday, June 7, 2024 at Whispering Pines Funeral Home in Hackensack, 3695 Autumn Loop NW, Hackensack. A graveside service will be held at 11:00 am in The Akeley Cemetery in Akeley on Saturday, June 8, 2024. The service will be followed by a lunch at the American Legion in Walker, MN. Funeral arrangements provided by Whispering Pines Funeral & Cremation Service of Walker & Hackensack, Minnesota.

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