John Vernon Walkling (Tim) passed away peacefully with his family by his side into the open arms of his Heavenly Father on January 20, 2012. He was 81 years old.

Tim was born in Lakeview, South Dakota in 1931 to Leo and Geneva (Spykerman) and spent his entire life growing up and making a living in the area. His Grandfather was an original settler in Todd County and purchased his first parcel of land in 1910. The Walkling family is blessed to continue the tradition of farming and ranching in the community for over 100 years. The land has supported six generations of Walklings and Tim was always grateful for the abundance and beauty of God's creation.

In 1952 Tim was drafted into the United States Army and served over seas during the Korean conflict. He developed a deep love and admiration for his country and the individuals who served. His patriotism was reflected in life and he often spoke to young people how it was an honor to serve and to protect the freedoms we have in the United States, especially to worship our God.

Tim was united in marriage to Wyonne Markus on July 9, 1958 in the Lakeview Church. To this union was born four children. Together they settled in Lakeview, purchasing their current farm in 1969 and began a dairy herd. Farming and ranching became Tim's life choice, which he never saw as work but instead a blessing to enjoy. He was a South Dakota Brand Inspector for 22 years and had an uncanny gift of sorting and counting cattle. He often expressed how The Lord and the Land were good to him.

Tim celebrated 50 years of marriage to Wyonne in 2008 and spoke of his thankfulness for his four children, their spouses, and his 11 grandchildren. He continued to be blessed with four great grandchildren, which brought him much happiness. He was an active member of the Lakeview Christian Reformed church and his devoted Faith was lived each day of his life. If there was one verse he could share with everyone it would be Psalms 37:3 "Trust in the Lord and do good."

Tim is survived by his wife, Wyonne of Lakeview. His son, Vernon and his wife Marlys of Lakeview, his daughters; Karla Jensen and her husband Robert from Portland Oregon, Renae Coleman and her husband Lonnie from Valentine, and Karen Walkling and her fiancé Rob Choinski from Bolivar Missouri. Eleven grandchildren and four great grand children. Tim had four siblings; Melva Logterman in Sioux Falls South Dakota, Wendell (deceased), Elwin of Valentine, and Wilma Kaiser of Valentine.

Tim was preceded in death by his parents Leo and Geneva Walkling and his brother Wendell.

He was a loving and devoted husband and father and will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Funeral services, officiated by Pastor Steve Boersma of the Lakeview Christian Reformed church in Lakeview January 24, 2012 with burial in the Lakeview Cemetery.

Pallbearers were Matthew and Dakota Walkling, Caleb and Tyler Bartels, Jacob and Ross Garland, Brooks Coleman and James Doyle III. Honorary pallbearers were Prairey Walkling, Heidi (Walkling) Doyle, Kara Walkling, Tiarra Bartels, Megan Uhlarik and Marki Coleman.

Special music was provided by Lynn Boersma.