Janet Nicol

Janet E. Nicol 

7/26/1946 - 4/29/26 

Born on July 26, 1946, in Des Moines, IA, to her parents, Evie and Chuck. She spent her youth in Des Moines, Louisville, KY, and the Minneapolis suburbs. The family moved to Cedar Rapids in 1961. Janet graduated from Washington High School and attended the University of Iowa, majoring in English with a minor in Spanish. She met her husband, Dan Nicol, at the University of Iowa. They married on Thanksgiving Eve, 1968, in Cedar Rapids, IA. Mom had graduated from college, and Dad was in law school. As a US Air Force Attorney, Mom and Dad started their adventure in Biloxi, MS, where Kristin was born. Then, they moved to the DC area, where Danielle was born at the St. Andrew's Air Force Base. Eventually, as civilians, they moved to Minneapolis, MN, where Mom continued her education to receive her master's degree in English at the University of Minnesota. The adventures continued moving to Memphis, TN, Colleyville, TX, back to Memphis, and then full circle, moving back to Minneapolis to be closer to their parents. Janet had a renaissance spirit. She was always seeking out new experiences and interests. As a lifelong learner, she was an accomplished pianist, a master swimmer, an avid reader, and found great joy in traveling, cooking, and gardening. She loved a project and took great pride in doing things the right way. 

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.