Kirby Walton

Kirby Walton lived each day anchored in his faith in Christ Jesus, which gave him renewed joy and strength to meet each day's challenges. Despite the trials of living with a life-long disability caused by a traumatic brain injury as a young child, Kirby displayed remarkable resilience and remained true to his heart and spirit. He shared his faith and experiences with literally anyone he happened to come across from the banker to the Home Depot employee, to the younger generations in his church community.

Born in Minneapolis, MN, to Everett Max and Ethel Grace Walton, Kirby moved with his family to Rochester, MN in 1958. He graduated from John Marshall High School in 1969 and was a life-long learner with an amazing breadth of knowledge. He studied at Rochester Community College off and on through the years. A true pursuer of knowledge, he was finishing the final credits for a BA in Communications from Concordia University at the time of his death. Whenever able, he worked in a variety of roles in Rochester, including with the public school district, Radio Shack, and other computer-related positions.

Kirby met his wife Patricia through his church fellowship, and they were married in 1985. His deepest compassion shone through his devotion to his wife, children, and grandchildren. He poured himself into his family, offering not only a loving home and wise counsel, but also practical help-rides around town, everyday support, and steadfast kindness, always given with grace. Above all, Kirby's conviction that the Spirit of the Lord was transforming him inwardly through the abiding presence of Christ and his word was central to his everyday life, relationships, and conversations. Growing up, he and his parents were charter members of Elim Baptist in Rochester until he became a part of the Church in Rochester in his early 20's. For over 50 years he remained a faithful, beloved member and elder of this fellowship. Kirby gave praise and glory to God in all things. For him, truly, "to live was Christ, and to die was gain."

Kirby's earthly life ended suddenly in a tragic car accident on September 3, 2025. He is lovingly remembered by his wife, Patricia Walton; his children, Anna Mae and Isaac (Rebekah Pringle) Walton; his grandchildren, Daysha Mae, Isaiah Lee, Viktor Amadeus, and Joseph Vincent; and his siblings, Cindy (Mike) Saarela and Kevin Walton. He was preceded in death by his father, Dr. Everett Max Walton, and his mother, Ethel Grace Walton.

A memorial service will be held at 1:30 pm on Saturday, October 11, 2025, at Ranfranz & Vine Funeral Home, 5421 Royal Place NW, Rochester, MN 55901 with a visitation an hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Luncheon and fellowship immediately following the service at the Church in Rochester Meeting Hall, 2705 18th Ave NW in Rochester. Memorials are preferred to the family.

Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Walton family.