Marcus J. Tolbert

On November 3rd, 2019, the world lost one of its brightest lights. Marcus James Tolbert passed away after a lifelong battle with Chronic Interstitial Lung Disease peacefully, with family by his side, while awaiting a dual lung transplant. He was only 8 years old. Marcus was born March 27th, 2011 to Ashley Tolbert and Jack Lester. Since the beginning, everyone knew Marcus was one of a kind- the kind of person you hope you have the pleasure of meeting at least once in your life. Marcus was a consistent reminder to anyone he came in contact with that he was special but probably not the type of special you would expect from a kid dealing with a difficult lung disease. No, no, he had enough attitude to knock you off your seat. Loud laughter. Huge smiles. Welcoming to the core. A love for music. Unprecedented sass, but with all that came the most caring and loving brother, he loved his little sister and big brothers more than words can describe- just don't get in the way of him and his favorite game, Fortnite nor his sports. Marcus always made sure he was dressed to the T. We're talking 45 minutes, with intricate planning. Stylish is an understatement. Marcus' lung disease did prevent him from having a typical childhood, but that never stopped him from becoming the greatest kid a parent could ask for. He was always at the top of his class for reading, treated everyone with the utmost respect, knew more about sports than most grown men, and was very confident in everything he did. To say we lost a "bright light", a "good one", even a "great one" will always be an understatement when it comes to Marcus. There will never be another Marcus Tolbert in this world, and he made sure no one would ever forget that. Rest Easy, Young King. Marcus is survived by: Mother; Ashley Tolbert (Darren Eheliyagoda) sister Annabella Eheliyagoda, Rochester, MN Father; Jack (Jennifer) Lester, brothers, Drew and Cody Becker, Rochester, MN Grandparents; Scott (Eileen) Germundson, Wanamingo, MN; Randy (Tammy) Lester, Mazeppa, MN; Imelda Perrotte, Philippines; Jeff (Lori) Packer, Kellogg, MN, Great Grandmother Sharon Eide of Rochester, MN. Aunts; Eileen (Mike) Hendrickson and their children Gwendalynn, Genevieve and Warner, Wanamingo, MN and Dale Lester, Eugene, Oregon Uncles; Derek Tolbert and Joshua Peterson, Wanamingo, MN, Anthony Perrotte, Philippines Visitation will be held from 5:00 pm-8:00 pm Wednesday, November 13, 2019 at Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes. Memorial Service will be at 11:00 am Thursday, November 14, 2019 with an additional visitation from 10:00 am -11:00 am at Ranfranz & Vine Funeral Homes, 5421 Royal Pl. NW, Rochester, MN 55901 Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes is honored to be serving the Tolbert and Lester families. To leave a special memory or condolence please visit www.ranfranzandvinefh.com