Gary L. Walkley

Gary L. Walkley, 74 of Devils Lake, ND formerly of Washington State, in the loving care of his dear Diane and Altru Hospice, passed away on Saturday, January 27, 2018 at his home, rural Devils Lake.  Gary Lee, adopted son of Robert and Opal (Snively) Walkley was born on September 15, 1943 at Haines, Alaska. As a young child, he moved with the family to Washington where he grew up and was educated.  Gary was united in marriage to Betty Jane Berry in March of 1968 and they were the proud parents of Gary Bradford Walkley. In May 1960, Gary entered the United States Navy and proudly and honorably served his country until his discharge to the Fleet Reserve on June 30, 1980. Gary served as a Radio Operator and as an advanced High Frequency Direction Finding Technician.  He served in Alaska-Pensacola, Florida-Japan-Azores, Portugal and California aboard the ships USS Belmont and USS Banner.  He was honorably discharged with the rank of CTR1 (Cryptologic Technician) at Vallejo, California.  Retirement from the Navy, did not mean retirement from working. After his discharge, Gary began employment as an Armored Car driver in California.  Gary eventually moved to North Dakota and worked as a dispatcher for Brandt Trucking in West Fargo and also owned and operated his own trucking company, “Old Dog Express”.  Gary was at one time married to April Harris.  Her children Jason (Sara) Harris and Shayna Johnson lovingly called him Dad and Finn, Christian and Jada lovingly called him Grandpa.  As a merchandiser for Anderson Merchandising, Gary’s route brought him to the Devils Lake Wal-Mart and that is where he would meet his beloved Diane (Wood) Engebretson and they would share 17 years of love and a beautiful life together. Gary again stayed active and involved in the community, working at the Lake Region Heritage Center, Rural Fire Department’s gaming and most recently was vehicle driver for the Devils Lake Chrysler Center. Gary and Diane enjoyed camping, traveling, golfing and visiting with friends and family. Gary loved spending time in his “Man Cave”, playing video games, watching his incredible and awesome 49’ers and letting in visitors willing to play Hearts, knowing he was always going to try and win the game by “running” the hearts. Gary loved his country, his family and loved life, living it to the fullest.  His never ending smile, his upbeat attitude and his humor will be so greatly missed.  Gary is survived by his son Gary (Wintress) Walkley of Menifee CA; grandsons Bishop Walkley, Aiden Gibson and Connor Gibson; step daughter Loretta (Mike) Vaughn of Trafford AL; step son Jason (Sara) Harris and their son Finn of Sedro Woolley WA; step daughter Shayna Johnson and her children Christian and Jada of Casselton ND; his dear Diane Engebretson from Devils Lake ND and her family Jared (Serrina) McKinnon of Argusville ND, Darin McKinnon of Oberon ND and Bryan (Alyssa) Engebretson also of Oberon ND and their children Carter, Grant, Jackson and Pierce and special “Bud” Dennis Alfstad of Devils Lake ND. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife Betty; mother, Leona O. Leppell; step children Theresa Barno and Kenneth Haley and half-sister Louise Rothermel. Funeral Services for Gary will be held on Friday, February 2, 2018 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Olaf Lutheran Church, Devils Lake with Reverend Jim Paulson officiating. Military Honors will be accorded by the Neathery-Simensen Post #756, Devils Lake Veterans of Foreign Wars and the North Dakota Military Funeral Honors Team-Navy.  Visitation on Thursday, February 1st will be held at the Gilbertson Funeral Home, Devils Lake from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. with a Time of Remembrance at 6:00 p.m.  Visitation on Friday will be at the church one hour prior to the funeral service.  Casket Bearers for Gary will be Bishop Walkley, Jared McKinnon, Darin McKinnon, Bryan Engebretson, Keith Warner, Jason Harris and Clayton Wood. Music will be provided by Carleen McCarthy, vocalist and Jean Aardahl, pianist.