December 5, 1948 – October 31, 2025
Micheal L. Walton, 76, of Joice passed away October 31, 2025.
A memorial visitation will be held from 9:00am until 11:00am on Friday, November 7, 2025 at First Lutheran Church in Northwood, IA 309 9th St N., Northwood, IA 50459. A memorial service will be held at 11:00am at the church officiated by Pastor Becky Sogge. Inurnment will immediately follow the memorial service at Sunset Rest Cemetery in Northwood.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s association or American Cancer Society.
Born December 5, 1948, in the Waterloo area to Robert and Eva (Turner) Walton, Mike learned the value of hard work early. By 16, he was already working hard and breaking rules to join the workforce at a local bakery, the start of a lifelong career built on dedication and craftsmanship.
Mike later moved to Clear Lake, where he continued his bakery career and proudly worked his way up to “Bun Foreman.” Those who knew him knew that title represented Mike’s pride in doing things right and his leadership.
Family was always at the heart of Mike’s world. He was the proud father of six children; Heather, Brent, and Shane from his first marriage, and Mason, Nicole, and Ben with his beloved wife, Laura (Farrell) Walton, whom he married in 1977. Together, Mike and Laura built a home full of laughter, projects, and the hum of something always being fixed, improved, or taken apart just to see how it worked.
Mike was a self-taught man in every sense; a true tinkerer. Whether it was CB, Ham radios, mechanics, or computers, he dove into every interest with passion and precision. He had the rare gift of teaching himself just about anything, and then teaching it to everyone else who was willing to learn.
After 15 dedicated years at Larson Manufacturing, Mike retired, but he never slowed down. He stayed sharp and curious, keeping up with technology, experimenting with computers, and always tending to his yard with care. Above all, he was a devoted husband to Laura, steadfast and loving, always making sure she was cared for.
Mike will be remembered for his steady hands, sharp mind, and generous heart, a man who could fix just about anything except his habit of taking on “one more project.” His family and friends will forever cherish his laughter, his stories, and the endless lessons he left behind.
Mike is survived by his wife, Laura; his children: Heather (Kevin) Kiewiet, Shane (Tammy) Walton, Mason (Sarah) Walton, Nicole (Andrew) Husske, Ben Walton and his significant other, Heather Bell; grandchildren, Amanda, Alexis, Brielle, Brooklyn, Alivia, Brock, Blake, Stephanie, Andrew, Tyler, Sidney, Brett, and Olivia; two great-grandchildren; and three siblings, Patricia (Steve) Wirtz, Larry (Phyllis) Walton, and Terry (Tom) Milota.
Preceding him in death are his parents; his son, Brent; and his grandson, Ian.
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