John Cale Walker

John Cale Walker 83, Rochester, Indiana, passed away at 6:58 A.M. Tuesday, March 4, 2025 at Parkview Regional Medical Center, Fort Wayne, Indiana.

John was born on December 2, 1941 in Streator, Illinois to Cale and Mildred “Billye” (McConnell) Walker. John was raised with his three sisters, Sue, Nancy and Mary Lou. He graduated from Rochester High School in 1959. John spent his summers working for his father painting “air markers”. He traveled to many states in the Midwest on this job.

After several years of wondering what goals he wanted, he went to Indiana State University, where he earned his Bachelor degree in English and Business. He taught English in Logansport, Indiana, where he met Carol A. Hoover. They married on October 28, 1967 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Rochester. They moved to Rochester and taught at Caston Schools. John went to Ball State University where he earned his Masters’ Degree in English.

After a brief move to Houston, Texas, they returned to Rochester. John’s father wanted him to work with the Airmarking Company. John eventually bought the company becoming the owner/operator.

John attended St. Joseph Catholic Church. He belonged to the Elks, Moose, Eagles Lodges and the Knights of Columbus. He served on the Rochester Community Schools’ School Board from 1990-2000. John enjoyed living on Lake Manitou, he loved playing golf and boating. He spent time working around the house and walking.

John and Carol traveled to all fifty states, Canada and Mexico. First with sons, Tim and Brett, then with grandchildren Kaylee, Caeden, and Eryn. Kaylee wanted to swim with the dolphins in the Caymans, Caeden wanted to see the tall trees, and Eryn wanted to see San Francisco. John really enjoyed cruising and eating out with family and special friends. His favorite places were Alaska and the National Parks in the West.

Survivors include his wife, Carol A. Walker, Rochester, Indiana, sons, Tim (Leslie) Walker, Palm Harbor, Florida, Brett (Angie) Walker, Fort Wayne, Indiana, grandchildren, Kaylee (Braxton) Walker Mollett, Rochester, Indiana, Caeden Walker, Palm Harbor, Florida, Eryn Walker, Palm Harbor, Florida, great grandchildren, Callyn Mollett and Oliver James Mollett, both of Rochester, Indiana, sisters, Nancy Zimmerman, Syracuse, Indiana, Mary Lou (Tom) Leavell Bernett, Southern Pines, North Carolina, several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, sister, Sue Walker Coffee Smith, brothers-in-laws, Tom Leavell and Rick Zimmerman, and father-in-law and mother-in-law, Lewis and Doris Hoover.

Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 11:00 A.M. Monday, March 10, 2025 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Rochester, Indiana. Friends may visit from 2:00 – 5:00 P.M. Sunday, March 9, 2025 at Zimmerman Bros. Funeral Home, Rochester, Indiana. Burial will be in the Odd Fellows Cemetery, Rochester, Indiana. Memorial contributions may be made to the Rochester High School Scholarship Fund or to St. Jospeh Catholic Church. Online condolences may be expressed at www.zimmermanbrosfh.com

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