Carolyn Zempel

Carolyn Zempel, of rural Montevideo, died Wednesday, April 2, 2025 at Methodist Hospital in Rochester at the age of 69.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, April 12, 2025 at 10:30 AM at Saron Lutheran Church in rural Maynard with burial in the church cemetery.

Visitation will be held for one hour before the service at the church.

Carolyn Marie Zempel was born on July 25, 1955, in Montevideo, MN, to Harold and Emma (Goulson) Zempel. She was baptized and confirmed at Saron Lutheran Church. Carolyn graduated from Montevideo High School in 1973 and went on to earn a degree in Computer Science from the University of Minnesota in 1977.

After completing her education, Carolyn returned to Leenthrop Township and helped with the family farm. During tax season, she also worked as a tax preparer for the law firm Nelson, Oyen, and Torvik in Montevideo for several years. Later, she joined Lee and Berner, which eventually became Dana F. Cole, and worked there until her retirement in 2017. However, Carolyn never fully retired. She continued to support her family and friends on the farm by keeping the books, running errands for parts, and even working in the fields. She was always willing to lend a hand.

Carolyn had a love for knitting and cross-stitch, finding great joy in these creative hobbies. She also had a deep interest in researching family history, tracing the stories of her ancestors.

She is survived by two brothers: Arnold Zempel of Montevideo and Eldon (Solveig) Zempel of Northfield; three nieces and nephews: Liv, Synneva, and Torfinn; and her significant other, John Oddan.

Preceding her in death were her parents and two brothers: Dennis and Merlin.