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

Carol was born in Webb, Iowa, on January 9, 1938, to Russell and Gladys (Johnson) Hovinga. She graduated from Minnesota State University, Mankato in 1960, where she studied sociology, social science, and home economics. Carol began her career in child welfare in Morrison County and later spent more than a decade as a social worker at Faribault State Hospital.

In 1973, Carol joined Steele County as a juvenile probation officer and served in that role until her retirement in 2000. During those years, she worked with young people and families during difficult moments, offering guidance, accountability, and support. Many in the community remember her steady presence and her commitment to helping young people find a better path forward.

Carol remained active in community service throughout her life. She volunteered with numerous Owatonna organizations, including Big Brothers Big Sisters, Habitat for Humanity, Steele County Transitional Housing, the American Association of University Women (AAUW), the Woman's Club of Owatonna, Graduate Women Investors, and Associated Church, where she served on the church council. She also volunteered in hospice care and supported programs such as Contact and the hospital auxiliary. In addition, Carol served her community in civic roles, including service on the Owatonna City Council and involvement in county planning and zoning efforts.

Her service was recognized with several honors. In 2004, she was named National Big Sister of the Year. She also received the Exchange Club's Book of Golden Deeds Award in 2006 and was named Pioneer Woman of the Year by Owatonna Business Women in 2013. In 2017, she received the Paul Harris/Vern White "Service Above Self" Award from the Owatonna Rotary Club, recognizing her lifetime of civic leadership and volunteerism.

Carol was preceded in death by her husband, Jerome "Jerry" F. Zetah, Ph.D., who passed away 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; and great-grandchildren, Graham and Rory Kading and James Westbrook. She is further survived by her sister, Letha Phelan, and brother, Leo (Jurene) Hovinga.

Carol will be remembered for her steady commitment to helping others and for the many ways she supported the people and organizations that strengthen their community. She also found joy in life's simple pleasures, especially gardening, baking, and travel.

Memorials may be directed to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southern Minnesota, the Woman's Club of Owatonna, or the American Association of University Women (AAUW), Owatonna Branch.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the Owatonna Arts Center on Saturday, May 2, from 1:00-3:00 pm.