Carol Mae Kirkham

Carol Mae Kirkham, 73, of Rochester, Minnesota, passed away peacefully and went to her heavenly home on Sunday, July 26, 2026, at Mayo Clinic Hospital - Saint Marys Campus.

Carol was born on May 5, 1953, to William and Alice Kappauf. She was welcomed into a loving family with her siblings Maxine, David, Norma Jean, and Evelyn. Later, her brother Keith and sister Theresa completed the family. Carol was raised on the family farm in Clover Township and attended school in Hinckley, Minnesota, graduating in 1971. She later attended vocational school in Pine City.

Carol became the built-in babysitter for her sisters' children, a role she adored. She later moved to Rochester, where she worked at the Holiday Inn. It was there in Rochester that she met the love of her life, Marty Kirkham, while having her car serviced at Champion Auto. The two were married on May 10, 1986, and shared many happy years together.

Carol and Marty enjoyed attending toy and car shows, traveling throughout the United States and making countless friends along the way. She was also a talented crafter who especially enjoyed hand embroidery and creating beautiful tea towels. Her detailed handiwork was admired by all who received it.

Carol will be missed by her family, including her sisters, Maxine Mulholland, Norma Jean Merkel, and Evelyn Gallimore; her brother, Keith Kappauf (Shelby); her stepdaughter, Jennifer; her sister-in-law, Carol Ann Kappauf; brother-in-law, Jeff Finke; as well as many cherished nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Marty Kirkham; her parents, William and Alice Kappauf; her brother, David Kappauf; her sister, Theresa Finke; and her brothers-in-law, Curt Mulholland, Ron Merkel, and Max Gallimore.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, August 8, 2026 at Evangel United Methodist Church (2645 N Broadway Ave, Rochester, MN 55906). Visitation will be from 5:00-7:00 pm on Friday, August 7, 2026 at Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes (5421 Royal Pl NW Rochester, MN 55901), as well as one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial will be at Grandview Memorial Gardens in Rochester.

Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Kirkham family. To share a special memory or condolence, please visit www.ranfranzandvinefh.com