Carol Lee Walker
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Carol's obituary
Carol Lee (Giboney) Walker, at the age of 81, passed away on March 5, 2026. She was preceded in death by her parents, Thomas Boone Giboney (1992) and Betty Lee Giboney (1998); her husband, Marion Bud Walker (2020); and her granddaughter, Lucy Lee Watson (2005).
Born on October 4, 1944, into a proud military family, Carol grew up as an Army brat, traveling the world with her parents and her brother during her father’s deployments. Her childhood was filled with stories from Army bases across the United States and Europe. Alongside her favorite cousins, Carol developed a spark of mischief and curiosity that never faded.
She met the love of her life, Bud, at Fort Leavenworth and followed him to the University of Kansas (#RCJH), where they married and began their life together. Their journey included five moves across the Midwest with Hallmark Cards and the joy of raising four children along the way before settling in Chanhassen, Minnesota, in 1985.
Carol was the ultimate CEO, the heart of a family that spanned generations and states. She leaves behind a legacy built on hard work, kindness, and an open door for all. She was everything to everyone: chef, friend, referee, psychologist, volunteer, taxi driver, master gardener, comedian, and dog whisperer. Whether she was whipping up a poolside smorgasbord or preparing for a major holiday, she made everyone feel like they belonged to the Walker family.
Her warmth extended deeply into the community through her work at Chaska High School. After 24 years of service in the Athletic Department, Carol was honored with induction into the Hall of Fame. Her smile and genuine kindness made student-athletes, coaches, families, and colleagues feel seen and valued, and kept coming back, even after she retired.
Not to mention, if there was a game, Carol was there. She was the number one football/baseball/soccer/softball/lacrosse/cross-country/basketball/hockey fan for her children and grandchildren and was preparing for the next generation of activities with the great-grandchildren. Though she jokingly complained about “bleacher butt,” there was no place she would rather be than supporting her family. She famously joked, “I’ll probably die on a bleacher, and Bud wouldn’t know until after the game was over.”
She is survived by her children, Lisa (Rob) Harrel, Lynn Walker, Mike (Kim) Walker, and Katie (Steve) Watson; her 9 grandchildren, Liz (Dave) Ulm, Joe (Lora) Martinson, Nick Harrel, Abby Martinson, Thomas Walker, Daniel Walker, Bradley Walker, Ben Watson, and Megan Watson; and her 5 great-grandchildren, Walker Ulm, Robby Ulm, Palmer Ulm, Charlie Weist and Jack Martinson. Her brother, Tom Giboney, and her cousins, MaryJane Lillard and Linda Huckaby.
Celebration of Life
A joint celebration honoring both Carol and Bud will be held on April 6, 2026, at the Chanhassen American Legion (Post #580) from 9:00 AM to 11:30 AM, with a short service beginning at 9:30 AM. The family looks forward to sharing stories and remembering two incredible lives.
Location: 290 Lake Drive East, Chanhassen, MN 55317 | 952-934-6677
The family extends their deep gratitude to the staff, nurses, and aides at Riley Crossing, as well as the Park Nicollet hospice team, for the compassion and kindness shown to Carol in her final weeks.
Memorials
In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Helping Paws Assistance Dogs, 6569 City West Parkway, Eden Prairie, MN 55344. www.helpingpaws.org
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