Carol F. Zetah

Carol Faye Zetah, 88, of Owatonna, passed away on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, at Valora Senior Living in Orono, Minnesota. A longtime resident of Owatonna, she devoted much of her life to public service and community involvement.

Born in Webb, Iowa, on January 9, 1938, to Russell and Gladys (Johnson) Hovinga, Carol graduated from Minnesota State University, Mankato in 1960 with studies in sociology, social science, and home economics. She began her career in child welfare in Morrison County and later worked for more than a decade as a social worker at Faribault State Hospital. In 1973, she joined Steele County as a juvenile probation officer, serving in that role until her retirement in 2000. She worked with young people and families during difficult times, offering guidance, accountability, and support, and was remembered for her steady presence and dedication to helping youth find a better path forward.

Carol remained deeply active in community service throughout her life. She volunteered with many Owatonna organizations, including Big Brothers Big Sisters, Habitat for Humanity, Steele County Transitional Housing, the American Association of University Women, the Woman’s Club of Owatonna, Graduate Women Investors, and Associated Church, where she served on the church council. She also gave her time to hospice care, Contact, and the hospital auxiliary, while serving in civic roles on the Owatonna City Council and in county planning and zoning efforts. Her service was recognized with several honors, including National Big Sister of the Year in 2004, the Exchange Club’s Book of Golden Deeds Award in 2006, Pioneer Woman of the Year by Owatonna Business Women in 2013, and the Paul Harris/Vern White “Service Above Self” Award from the Owatonna Rotary Club in 2017.

Carol was preceded in death by her husband, Jerome “Jerry” F. Zetah, Ph.D., in 2022. She is survived by her children, Douglas (Jane) Kading of Plymouth and Camille (Patrick) Weas of Minneapolis; stepchildren, Julianne Zetah, Michael (Katy) Zetah, and Jon Zetah, all of Minneapolis; grandchildren, Kelly (Evan) Westbrook, Chris (Ashley) Kading, Hannah Weas, Jack Weas, Alexandra Zetah, and Taryn Zetah; great-grandchildren, Graham and Rory Kading and James Westbrook; her sister, Letha Phelan; and her brother, Leo (Jurene) Hovinga. She will be remembered for her steadfast commitment to helping others and for the many ways she strengthened her community. She also found quiet joy in gardening, baking, and travel.