LoriAnn Bell, 68, Faribault
LoriAnn Michele Bartness Bell, 68, passed away on Aug. 22, 2026.
Lori was born in Albert Lea, on Dec. 12, 1957. She attended Hartland Elementary School and graduated from New Richland High School in 1976. She then graduated from RCTC with her nursing degree.
She spent her career as a nurse for both St. John’s Lutheran Home and the New Richland Care Center until retirement. Lori loved working with the elderly and cared for them greatly. She was also a caregiver for her parents, Mervin and LaVonne, caring for them both in her home until the end of their lives.
Her marriage to Dan was a true love story. Beginning as high school sweethearts, they went separate ways as adults to establish their lives but came back together. Their romance was rekindled at the Ellendale Days street dance the summer of 2005 and they were united in marriage Sept. 23, 2006. Lori went from single lady lifestyle to a grandma of six in the span of a year!
Lori enjoyed crafting, lawn mowing with her mother for the Hartland Cemetery, spending time at the cabin on Roberds Lake, traveling with her nieces, car cruises, flea markets, and some good online shopping, even in her sleep, leaving Dan to find piles of boxes outside the door!
Building her community was important to Lori. She had a unique circle of friends that she invited in from all walks of life. Lori will always be remembered for her generous spirit, having fun wherever she was, and always being up for an adventure. She was fiercely independent and she had a soft caring heart for babies, elderly and pets. She selflessly chose to help others over herself showing her deep care for all.
The family would like to express their gratitude to Brighton Hospice for their care of Lori this past year.
She was preceded in death by her parents Mervin and LaVonne (Holland) Bartness.
She is survived by her husband, Daniel Bell; brother Brad Bartness; nieces Nicole Bartness and Angie Bartness; great-nieces Brooklyn, Morgan, and Piper Zrust; Dylan, Reese, and Georgia Collins; stepsons Zech (Melissa) Bell and Alex (Angela) Bell; grandchildren Hank, Josie, and Hazel Bell; and Lillian, Ned, and Melina Bell.
Lori was preparing for this day, along with her loving husband and full-time caregiver, Dan. In her notes discussing her life and her last wishes, Lori had written the word, ‘Journey’ along with ‘What a ride!’. Though she will be missed, we were grateful to be on the ride with her.
Visitation will be held Sunday, Aug. 30, 2026, at Brick-Meger Funeral Home, 1603 Austin Road, Owatonna, from 2-4 p.m. Funeral service will be at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, Aug. 31, 2026, at Hartland Evangelical Lutheran Church, 404 Broadway St., Hartland, with visitation
one hour prior. Interment will be at Hartland Cemetery. All are welcome to join the family for lunch at the church after interment.
For more information or to leave an online message of condolence, go to www.megercares.com.