After a life of love and quiet grace, Janet Nicol of Milford, IA has passed.
Below, the family shares some of what made her life meaningful.
Every life leaves an echo in the lives it has known.
Janet E. Nicol 7/26/1946 - 4/29/26 Janet E Nicol was born July 26, 1946, in Des Moines, Iowa to Evie and Chuck Erb. Her childhood years were spent in Des Moines, Louisville, Ky and the Minneapolis suburbs. In 1961, the family moved to Cedar Rapids, Iowa. After graduating from Washington High School, Janet attended the University of Iowa, where she met Dan Nicol. Janet later received her Master’s degree from the University of Minnesota. Janet and Dan married on Thanksgiving Eve, 1968. Dan’s legal career took them to Biloxi, Mississippi; Washington DC, Minneapolis, Minnesota; Colleyville, Texas; and Memphis, Tennessee.Janet had a true renaissance spirit, always seeking new experiences and interests. She was an accomplished pianist, a master swimmer, and an avid reader. Janet enjoyed traveling, cooking, gardening, and spending time with her family.Janet E. Nicol, 79, passed away on April 29, 2026, due to complications from Alzheimer’s disease. Janet was predeceased by her devoted husband of 43 years, Dan F. Nicol; her brother, Larry Erb; and her parents, Evelyn and Charles Erb. She is survived by her brother, David Erb (wife, Marilyn), of Denver, Colorado; her sister-in-law, Marsha Erb (wife of the late Larry Erb), of Cedar Rapids, Iowa; her two daughters, Kristin Nicol (husband, Don Andrews) of Minneapolis, Minnesota, and Danielle Bartlett (husband, Gray Bartlett) of Memphis, Tennessee; her dear friend of 12 years, John Albers of Minneapolis, Minnesota; and many other family members and friends. She was “Oma” to five grandchildren: Paisley, Liam, and Gannon Andrews, and Evelyn and Gray Bartlett, Jr.The family would like to express their gratitude to Parks’ Place Memory Care team in Minneapolis for the comfort and care they provided for our mom.On May 28, a memorial service will be held at Lakewood Cemetery Chapel in Minneapolis, MN with a 12:00-1:00 p.m. visitation and a 1:00 p.m. service.On May 30, a visitation will take place from 1:00-2:00pm at the Turner Jenness Funeral Home in Milford, IA with a graveside service to follow at 2:00pm at the Milford Cemetery in Milford, IA.Memorials can be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or The Alzheimer's Association.
