Dorothy C. Walker

Mrs. Dorothy C. Walker, 96, of Sioux City passed away on Tuesday, March 10, 2015.  Sioux City funeral services were held on Monday, March 16, 2015 at First United Methodist Church.  This Saturday there will be an Illinois service at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, April 4, 2015, at the Knoxville United Methodist Church, with the Rev. Dan Lybarger officiating. Burial at Memorial Park Cemetery in Galesburg, IL, will follow the service, as will a light lunch back in Knoxville at the Methodist church.  Online condolences may be sent to www.h-p-w.com or www.meyerbroschapels.com

Mrs. Walker was born May 26, 1918 in Galesburg, IL. Her parents were Merle Cline and Lena Bliss Cline. She graduated from Galesburg High School, Knox College, and held a M. Mus. Degree from American Conservatory of Music in Chicago.

She married Everette L. Walker on June 17, 1945 in Chicago.

As a violinist she was active as a soloist, chamber music performer, teacher, and as a symphony musician with many recognizable symphonies. She was music supervisor for rural schools in Knox and Warren Counties in Illinois, and taught string classes in the Maywood and Melrose Park, IL, public schools. She later taught as Adjunct Professor at numerous colleges, as well undertaking extensive private teaching. Starting in 1962, she was one of the pioneers in the Suzuki Method of instruction in the United States, including two trips to Japan for further study, and teaching at various Suzuki Institutes in this country for many years.

Later, she and her husband taught ballroom dancing and round dancing. She also became a productive quilter.

She was a member of Alpha Xi Delta, Phi Beta Kappa, P.E.O., Schubert Club, Universal Round Dance Council, and the Quilters Guild.

She is survived by her daughters Judy Walker; Lynn (Jim) Johnson; son Steven C. Walker; grandson Trent (Sherry) Johnson; three great grandsons, all of Sioux City; and a first cousin Dave (Brenda) Bliss of Abingdon, IL.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her stepmother Inez Cline, her husband, and a grandson Todd Walker Johnson.

The family wishes to thank all those who lovingly cared for Dorothy in her last two and a half years at Touchstone Living Center, as well as Care Initiatives Hospice.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be designated to the Sioux City Symphony, the Youth Symphony, or to Knox College.