Carol Ann Bartels

Carol A. Bartels, age 92, of Rochester, Minnesota died peacefully on Saturday, May 2, 2020 at Madonna Towers of Rochester. Carol Ann Bartels was born March 4, 1928 in Bengough, Canada the daughter of Noal and Olga (Thorson) Smith. The family moved back to the family farm in Salem Township, Minnesota where Carol attended Country School District #15 in Salem Township and Kasson High School. She was united in marriage to Glen Aakre on March 23, 1946 in Winona, Minnesota. They were blessed with two children, Shirley and Ken, along with 38 years of marriage. Glen died on March 1, 1984. On August 30, 1986, Carol was united in marriage to Robert Bartels at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Rochester and continued to make their home in Rochester. Carol worked as a secretary in human resources for Mayo Clinic for over 20 years. She was a member of Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, the Eagles Club and 4-H in her childhood years. She enjoyed dancing to polka music, playing cards, participating in card clubs, crocheting, and gardening. She also enjoyed motorcycling, fishing, boating, camping, traveling and spending winters in Arizona. She is survived by her husband, Robert Bartels of Rochester, MN; daughter, Shirley (Mike) Claffy of Rochester, MN; son, Ken (Melissa) Aakre of Plainview, MN; four grandchildren, Stacey (Joe) Evans and Steve (Brandy) Claffy of Kasson, Taylor (Matthew) Pick and Molly Aakre of Plainview; five great grandchildren, Abby and Jensen Claffy, Chris and Cameron Evans and Emmett Pick; brother, James (Pat) Smith of Byron, MN; along with many nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents Noal and Olga Smith; husband, Glen Aakre; sister and brother-in-law, Geraldine and Alden Aakre; brothers and sister-in-laws, Duane (Darlene) Smith and Nicholas (Lois) Smith. A private graveside service for immediate family will be held at East St. Olaf Lutheran Church in Rock Dell Township, Minnesota with Pastor Mike Zaske officiating. Memorials are preferred to Mayo Hospice or the family. The family wishes to thank the staff at Mayo Hospice, Madonna Towers and Madonna Meadows for their wonderful care. Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Bartels family; to share a special memory of condolence please visit www.ranfranzandvinefh.com