Erna DeFor Walker, 83
Erna DeFor Walker, 83, of Austin died on Sept. 20, 2008 at Comforcare Good Samaritan Center in Austin.
Erna Marie Hansen was born April 16, 1925 in Austin to Jacob and Mary (Jorgensen) Hansen. Following graduation from Austin High School, she married Vernon DeFor on March 16, 1942 in Owatonna. Vernon died on Nov. 2, 1959. Erna worked hard and raised three teenage children. Erna married Ray Walker on March 28, 1974 in Merrillville, Ind. Ray died on March 6, 1975. Erna moved to California from Austin in the forties, worked for a few years in Minneapolis and Faribault before moving back permanently to Austin. Erna worked as a cook and homemaker and was employed by the State Hospital in Faribault in the 70’s and 80’s. She loved to knit mittens and afghans and watch Little House on the Prairie. She was known for her famous sugar cookies and loved to watch the grandchildren and attend Sunday School and Worship Services.
Survivors include three children, David (Donna) DeFor and Stephen DeFor, Austin; special friend, Mary Lund, Geneva; Cecelia (Andrew) Manoochehri, Pasadena, Calif.; eight grandchildren; fourteen great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Vernon DeFor; husband, Ray Walker; sister, Edna McAnally.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 24, 2008 at the Church of Christ in Austin with the Reverend David DeFor and the Reverend Stephen DeFor officiating. Interment will be at Oakwood Cemetery, Austin. Friends may call at The Church of Christ from 4 – 7 p.m. on Tuesday and at the church one hour prior to the service on Wednesday. Worlein Funeral Home of Austin is in charge of arrangements. Memorials are preferred to Austin Church of Christ.