Carolyn Bell, 76, Albert Lea

Carolyn Marie Bell (Ebeling), age 76, of Albert Lea, passed away peacefully on Sept. 28, 2026, at Rochester Mayo Clinic Hospital.

Friends greeted the family Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026, at Brick- Meger Funeral Home, Owatonna, and one hour prior to the funeral at church.

Funeral Mass was held Friday, Oct. 2, at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Owatonna.

Carolyn was born on Dec. 10, 1949, in Owatonna, to Vernal and Josephine (Svatos) Ebeling. Carolyn grew up in Owatonna with her five siblings: Marilyn (Carolyn’s identical twin), Rick, Sharon, Vickie, and Mary. They enjoyed growing up on the farm, riding horse and building lasting memories together. Carolyn and her twin always ‘had each other’ and tried twin-swapping several times for fun.

In 1967, Carolyn graduated from Owatonna High School and furthered her education at Winona State University, later graduating in 1970 with a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education. Carolyn met Dave Bell in Austin, and they got married in 1972. She purchased her horse, Queen, from Dave’s sister and brother-in-law. They started their family and together, they raised three boys in Albert Lea: Michael, Joel, and Patrick.

Carolyn enjoyed reading, playing cards, baking/cooking, traveling, spending time at church and reading her Bible. She lived for attending every sporting, academic, and music event and anything else her children were involved in. Carolyn loved her lifelong teaching career and later worked at the Post Office.

Throughout the years Carolyn was blessed with eight grandchildren: Rylee, Ryan, Christina, Vivienne, Melia, Alivia, Ava, and William. They represent the love of her life. One of her favorite things to do with the kids was play cards, lots and lots of cards; as well as baking/cooking, doing puzzles, going for walks, playing with the dogs, and coloring. Some of the best memories with grandma were shared at the cabin: fishing, picking raspberries, going for walks and four-wheeler rides, and sharing meals together.

Carolyn is survived by her husband of 54 years, Dave, their children Michael Bell with his children Rylee and Ryan; Joel (Meredith) Bell with their children Christina, Vivienne, and Melia; and Patrick (Ariana) with their children Alivia, Ava, and William. She is further survived by her siblings, their spouses and many beloved nieces and nephews and their children.

Carolyn was preceded in death by her father Vernal, and mother Josephine as well as her sister-in-law Patricia Ebeling. Carolyn was taken too soon, and we will miss her dearly.

For more information or to leave an online message of condolence, go to www.megercares.com.