Mary Charlton

Mary F. Charlton, age 83 of Faribault, MN passed away peacefully on Sunday, August 18, 2019 at her home following an extended illness.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, August 30, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. at the Divine Mercy Catholic Church.  Interment will be held at St. Lawrence Cemetery, Faribault.

Memorial visitation will be held at the Parker Kohl Funeral Home & Crematory, 1725 Lyndale Ave. N.  Faribault on Thursday from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. and at the church on Friday morning for one hour prior to services.

Mary Frances (Menke) Charlton was born in the forestry cabin south of Baudette, MN, the 6th of 7 children to William and Rose (Guss) Menke.  Growing up in the area, she graduated from Baudette High School and continued her education at St. Catherine University, graduating with a degree in elementary education and music concentration.  During her sophomore year she auditioned in the St. Paul Schubert Club.  Her teaching career took her to Austin, International Falls, and 25 years as a Title I teacher in the Faribault School District.  In 1959, she was united in marriage to Leo Charlton at her hometown church in Baudette.  Six children were born, Joseph, Paul, David, Jean, Peter and Anne.

Mary loved and treasured her family, her friends, and her God.  She enjoyed a good book, her piano, clarinet, music, traveling, the outdoors, spirited conversations, volunteer activities, church activities, and a good glass of wine.

She is survived by her husband of 60 years, Leo Charlton of Faribault; by her children, Joseph (Norma) Charlton of Northfield, MN and their daughter, Jasmin Charlton, Paul Charlton of Shoreview, MN, David (Julie) Charlton of Faribault, Jean (Yon) Kohlnhofer of Lake City, MN and their daughter, Ellyn Kohlnhofer, Peter (Pamela) Charlton of Northfield, MN and their children, Stephanie (Josh) Arvidson, Isabella, Joshua and Isaac Charlton, and Anne (Patrick) Kraemer of Overland Park, KS and their children, Kyle, Conner and Zachary Wilson and Noah, Caleb, Naomi and Dinah Kraemer; by her brother, Jim (Verna) Menke of Roseburg, OR; by her sister, Lucille Ninnemann of Philadelphia, PA and by nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, brother, David Menke and by three sisters, Lorraine McArthur, Peachy Block and Loretta Block.