Charles "Chuck" W. Walk

Charles W. “Chuck” Walk, 81, of Mason City, IA, died Monday, July 17, 2017, at Mercy Medical Center – North Iowa. Memorial services will be held at 10:00 AM on Saturday, July 22, 2017, at Major Erickson Funeral Home, 111 N. Pennsylvania Avenue, with Chaplain Dave Byrd of the IOOF Home officiating. Inurnment will take place in Memorial Park Cemetery at a later date. Memorials may be directed to the Charles Walk memorial fund in care of the family.

Charles was born October 11, 1935, in Grafton, IA. He graduated from Mason City High School in 1952. Chuck received his undergrad from the University of Iowa in Iowa City, IA before earning his Master’s degree from Northwestern University in Chicago, IL. In 1959, Chuck married Vera Matson in Mason City. Chuck began his career as a general assignment reporter for the Globe Gazette before becoming editor. Chuck, along with Elwin Musser (photographer), covered the Buddy Holly crash for the Globe Gazette. Chuck later continued his career with the Kansas City Kansan in Kansas City, KS (general manager and publisher), the Bismarck Tribune in Bismarck, ND (general manager and publisher), the Helena Independent Record in Helena, MT (publisher) and the Montana Press Association (president). He retired as a publisher from Lee Enterprises. Chuck enjoyed reading and golfing.

Chuck is survived by his wife of 58 years: Vera Walk of Mason City; his children: Steve Skellenger (Bobbie) of Clear Lake, IA, Bob Skellenger (Kathy) of Mason City, Dave Skellenger of Garner, IA, Danny Skellenger (Darcy) of Clear Lake, Cherri Banghart (Jimmy) of Des Moines, IA, Sara Walk Smith of Mason City, and Jana Rummel of Helena, MT; numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren; and 1 sister: Lois Jensen of Memphis, TN. He is also survived by 2 nieces and 1 nephew.