Nicole “Nici” Bartell of Wannaska, MN formerly of Morris, MN passed away June 25, 2025 at the age of 55.
Nicole Jene Bartell was born September 16, 1969 in Edina, MN to Roy Bartell and Carol (Peltier) Aaberg. Nici attended school in Morris, MN graduating in 1988. In 2004, the family moved to Roseau, MN after meeting the love of her life, Brian, and later moved to Wannaska, MN where she resided until her passing. Nici worked at West Wind Village in Morris, MN until 2004, Marvin Windows in Warroad, MN until 2011, Polaris in Roseau, MN until 2023, and B&B Diversified in Roseau, MN up until her passing.
Nici had a love for fishing and spent a lot of time out on the lake with Brian. Winter or summer, it didn’t matter, she was out there out-fishing anyone! She loved summertime and you would find her outside sun-bathing and listening to music. She loved all animals, especially cats! She had a strong passion for rescuing cats and had a life-long dream to have and run her own animal shelter. She rescued cats and fostered many, rehoming most, but keeping some for herself. All six cats she had until her passing were all rescued by her. She had a heart of gold and would do anything for anyone. She gave the best hugs and had such an infectious smile. Nici will always be remembered for her genuine kindness and love – her beautiful soul will forever be unmatched!
Nici is survived by her daughter Alexis (Nathan) Hoy of Warroad, MN; son Drake Thompson of Roseau, MN; son Nick Thompson of Wannaska, MN; and husband Brian Thompson of Wannaska, MN; sister LeShere (Mike) Wolfe of Princeton, MN; brother Chance Bartell of Burnsville, MN; mother Carol Aaberg of Wahpeton, ND; mother and father in law Douglas and Jody Thompson of Karlstad, MN; sister in law Jill Bakken of Bagley, MN; nieces Baely Hennen of Zimmerman, MN, Kari Wolfe of Elk River, MN, and Lydia Bakken of Bagley, MN; nephews David Wolfe of Aitkin, MN and Lucas Bakken of Bagely, MN; and grandchildren Avenna, Aria, and Ayden Hoy of Warroad, MN.
Nici was preceded in death by her son Chaz Beyer and her father Roy Bartell.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held for Nici on July 12, 2025 at the Community Center in Wannaska at 1:00pm.
Last modified: 07/01/2025
