Marlene Joyce Walters

Marlene Joyce Walters, age 66, of Buffalo, passed away Thursday, December 29, 2022, peacefully in her home in Buffalo. A funeral service will be held on Friday, January 6, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. at the Plymouth Lutheran Church with Pastor Ryan Kandoll and Pastor Robert Tumberg officiating at the service. The interment will be held at the Kingston Apostolic Lutheran Church Cemetery. There will be a visitation Thursday evening from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and one hour prior to the service on Friday morning at the Plymouth Lutheran Church. Marlene Joyce (Pahkala) Walters was born on August 19, 1956, in Finlayson, Minnesota where she was baptized and confirmed into the Christian faith. She graduated from Finlayson High School in 1974 and went on to study American Sign Language in St. Paul. Upon completing her training, she worked as an ASL interpreter at St. Cloud Apollo High School for 12 years. On June 27, 1992, Marlene married Lloyd Walters at the Plymouth Apostolic Lutheran Church where they both were members; together they made their home in Monticello. Marlene continued her education at St. Cloud State and graduated in 1993 with a degree in elementary education. In 1995, Marlene and Lloyd moved to Buffalo where they raised 3 beautiful children and have made their home for the last 27 years. Marlene’s light shone brightly in this world. Her infectious smile could light up a room, and her inner joy and exuberance for life overflowed on everyone around her and into everything she did. A gracious hostess and naturally creative, she loved organizing tea parties, relaxing at the cabin, and planting flowers in her garden. Her sense of humor and comedic timing made game nights uproarious and, paired with her compassion and empathy, could ease the deepest hurts. She loved her family with her whole heart, never missing an opportunity to communicate just how much, with gentle words and humble acts of service. Her grandchildren especially lit up her life—she loved crafting, baking, and exploring with them, and took every chance to let them know how loved they were. Her favorite way to start the day was with her morning devotions and a steaming cup of coffee in the quiet moments before the rest of the house woke up. Her love for Jesus permeated every aspect of her life, and the strength of her faith in her Savior never wavered, regardless of circumstances. She is survived by her husband, Lloyd of Buffalo, daughter, Elise (James) O’Neill of Buffalo, daughter, Kristin Walters of Buffalo, and son, Andrew Walters of Buffalo, five grandchildren, Lydia, Charlotte, Avery, Ruth and Gideon O’Neill, siblings, Carol Tumberg of New York Mills, Bonnie (Leroy) Rentz of Wadena, Edwin Pahkala, and Steven (Christy) Pahkala. She is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, and other relatives. She was preceded in death by her parents, Eino and Marie Pahkala, sister, Lorraine Matson, brother, David Pahkala, brother-in-law, Allen Tumberg, three children, and two grandchildren.

Marlene Joyce Walters

August 19, 1956 - December 29, 2022