Linda Jean Walton, 81

Linda J. Walton of Montgomery was called home on October 21 at the age of 81. There will be a Celebration of Life for Linda on Saturday, October 30th from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., with a prayer and song service at 1:00 p.m., in the Most Holy Redeemer Catholic Church basement in Montgomery.
Linda was born April 22, 1940, to Donald and Jean (Clare) Walton of St. Paul. Linda attended grade school and graduated from Central High School in St. Paul and later graduated with a four-year degree in Home Economics from the University of Minnesota. During her summers off Linda worked with her father, Donald, for The St. Paul Company, typing insurance policies. After graduating with her degree she was employed at Anoka State Hospital for several years. Linda fondly remembered her former clients and had many good memories from her time there.
After Linda’s father, Donald, retired, Linda moved to Ocean Grove, New Jersey, were she purchased her Grandmother’s home and fitted it up. There she boarded elderly ladies and enjoyed living by the ocean in the Methodist camp community. Upon returning to Minnesota, Linda lived at Coon Lake Beach and Ham Lake, and in the early 1990s she purchased an 80-acre farm in rural Montgomery where she made her home for over 30 years. Linda had many friends in the Montgomery community. While getting her van repaired at the local auto shop, Linda met the LeBrun family, and a lifetime friendship was fostered. Linda lovingly referred to the LeBruns as her adopted family.
Another wonderful discovery of Linda’s was The Windmill in New Market. Linda considered her love for animals and her skill for helping them to be her life’s mission. She fell in love with the Windmill Animal Rescue program and with owner Toni Maat and the Windmill family. Linda was Windmill’s infamous Mrs. Claus, and many family pets had their picture taken with her for Christmas! Linda’s knowledge, efforts and support made the growth of Windmill Animal Rescue possible. Linda’s love for animals will live on in animal rescue efforts for years to come.
Linda loved spending her summer vacations at Hunky Dory in Wisconsin. As a child she enjoyed summer vacations at Hunky Dory with a family friend. Years later, Linda ventured back to Hunky Dory to bask in the sun, float on the lake, and read countless books. She treasured her Hunky Dory family of friends and eagerly looked forward to her summer get-a-ways!
Linda had a fantastic memory and she was an expert storyteller. Her stories were both interesting and entertaining, generously sprinkled with her signature humor and wit. Linda LOVED the Lord. Her faith was at the center of all she did. She loved scripture, and if you were able to visit her at Pleasant Manor, you would’ve seen her favorite Bible verse up on the wall, directly in her sight, giving her daily encouragement: “I can do all things through Christ Who strengthens me” Philippians 4:13. Linda shared her Christian Faith by the way she lived. She was generous, kind, compassionate and a loyal friend. Linda touched many lives and she will be lovingly remembered and greatly missed!