Nancy Lee Carroll

Nancy Lee Carroll, 85, died peacefully January 19, 2026, at Diamond Willow Memory Care in Alexandria, Minnesota.

Nancy was born June 29, 1940 to Franklyn and Ida Zierer in Bloomington, MN. She graduated from Bloomington High School in 1958. After completing her schooling, Nancy met her future husband, John Carroll, while working at General Mills in Golden Valley, MN. The couple were married on September 25, 1966, and welcomed two children: James (1966) and Michelle (1968). Nancy and John raised their family in Hopkins, MN, and after John's passing in 1985, Nancy decided to retire early in 1994 and move to Alexandria, where she bought her home on Lake Ida.

Nancy absolutely loved Alexandria, calling it "God's Country" and enjoyed lake life in her retirement. She cherished her morning coffee with neighbors, playing many rounds of cards, and caring for the feral cats that would show up at her home. A social butterfly, Nancy made friends wherever she went and was always smiling. She had a huge heart for animals, adopting her beloved kitty companions Isabelle and Violet from the Alexandria Humane Society. Nancy also enjoyed going to church and singing in the choir. A passionate quilter, Nancy kept herself busy in the winter making beautiful quilts for her loved ones.

Nancy adored when her grandchildren would come up to visit her, especially in the summertime. Many wonderful memories were made with them, swimming, fishing, playing card games, and laughing. She loved to spoil them and loved them all deeply - they were truly her pride and joy in life.

Nancy is preceded in death by her husband, John; mother, Ida Dean; and Father, Frank Zierer. She is survived by and will be dearly missed by her children: son, James (Tanya) Carroll; and Daughter Michelle (Sam) Reasoner; and her 4 grandchildren: Brita (Nick), lan (Megan), Jasper, Jonna (fiancé Kei); sister, Diane Botwinski; as well as several other beloved relatives and friends.

A celebration of life will be held Saturday, May 23, 2026, beginning at 11 AM at United Methodist Church 2210 6th Ave E in Alexandria. A luncheon will be provided after the service. Nancy will be laid to rest at Spruce Hill Cemetery in Alexandria, MN. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Lakes Area Humane Society.