Carol Zacher

Carol Jean Zacher (70), passed away in her home with family beside her on October 11, 2022 after a courageous battle with cancer.

Carol was born in Alexandria, MN on October 18, 1951 to John and Fae (Spaulding) Walsh, the first of eight children.  The family lived on a farm near Belle River, MN. In October of 1952 the family moved to Milwaukee.  Carol’s sister, Cathy, died in August of 1953.  The family ultimately moved to the farm her father still resides on near Parkers Prairie in 1965.  Carol graduated from Parkers Prairie High School in 1969 and Alexandria Tech in 1970 with a clerical degree.  She moved to St. Cloud, MN for 18 months before returning to Alexandria where she worked as bookkeeper at Lamperts.

In the summer of 1973, Carol met Ben at a classmate’s wedding dance reception.  They began dating and were married on July 13, 1974.  After starting their family, Carol stayed home with their six children, volunteered in a variety of church and community roles, and kept up with Ben’s ever-changing passions. The family moved several times before settling on Lake Miltona.

Carol is remembered for her strong faith in God and love of family.  She was selfless, compassionate, and committed to her family and friends.  There was always room at her table for unannounced guests.  She was the steady, calming voice of reason and is known for never saying a bad thing about anyone. She was happiest supporting her children and grandchildren in whatever types of activities they loved doing.  She loved watching her grandchildren enjoy the lake, taking them for pontoon rides, driving the jet ski and visiting for hours with family and friends.  Her grandchildren especially loved her one-on-one “Granny Camp”. She was a faithful wife to Ben and despite their never-ending debate of who was more stubborn, “the German or the Irish”, she was devoted and committed to him and their family.

Carol is survived by Ben, her loving husband of 48 years; children Penny (Ben), Bill (Beth), Bob, Missy (Brad), Jake, and Tiffany (Stephen); 13 grandchildren; her father John; sisters Eileen, Marie, and Janet; brothers Michael, Paul, and Dan; and many other extended family members and friends.

Carol is preceded in death by her mother Fae, sister Cathy, stepmother Darlene and many other family and friends.

Carol will be deeply missed.  We rejoice in knowing she is at peace and healthy in heaven.

Visitation will be held on Monday, October 17, 2022, 5:00 – 8:00 PM at the Anderson Funeral Home with a Parish Prayer Service at 5:00 PM.   Visitation will continue on Tuesday, October 18, 2022, 10:00 – 11:00 AM at St. Mary’s Catholic Church with a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 AM.  Burial will be at St. Mary’s Cemetery.   In lieu of flowers, Carol was passionate about these organizations: "Life Connections", "His Kids Orphan Ministry", "Sisters By Heart".