Joanne Walton, 90, formerly of the New Salem area, died September 10, 2026. According to Joanne’s wishes, she was cremated, and there will be no service.

Joanne was born November 24, 1935, to John and Amanda (Michaels) Kuether.

Joanne was raised in the Youngtown area and attended rural school before graduating from New Salem High School in 1953. She attended two years of college at Bismarck Junior College and Jamestown College.

After college, Joanne worked at the ASC office in Mandan and Teachers Placement in Bismarck before moving to Kansas City, MO, where she worked for General Motors Insurance. She later transferred with the company to Chicago, IL, where she retired after 31 years.

Joanne married Robert Walton on December 8, 1962, and to this union, a son, Michael John, was born. The marriage later ended in divorce.

After retiring, Joanne moved to Bismarck, where she worked part-time for seven years at the ND State Penitentiary.

Joanne enjoyed bowling, golf, and traveling with the Good Neighbors Club. She also enjoyed playing bridge and pinochle at the Senior Center.

Joanne was preceded in death by her parents and a very special friend, Eddie T. Schmidt.

Joanne is survived by her son Michael John Walton, of Las Vegas, Nevada; her Godson, David Kuether and family; and Marlys and Kieth Ellingson, and family, all of Bismarck, ND.