Lola Babcock, age 82, of Bricelyn, Minnesota, passed away on Monday, January 19, 2026 at Mayo Clinic Hospital Saint Mary’s Campus in Rochester, Minnesota. A visitation will be Thursday, January 29, 2026 from 4:00-7:00pm at Nasinec Funeral Home in Wells and will resume one hour prior (10-11am) to the service on Friday. The funeral will be at 11:00am on Friday, January 30, 2026 at Nasinec Funeral Home. Pastor Matt Hundley will be officiating the service and burial will be at Rosehill Cemetery in Wells, MN.
Lola Arlene (Martindale) Babcock was a beloved daughter, eldest sister, mother, aunt, and grandmother—and most importantly, a faithful servant of the Lord. She treasured time with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Some of her favorite moments included breakfast at Bud’s Café with her grandkids, working on puzzles, watching Hallmark movies, taking her grandchildren on trips, and solving cryptograms. Lola rarely missed a Sunday at church, often bringing her grandchildren along and treating them to waffles for breakfast and lunch afterward.
Lola was born on June 28, 1943, in Fullerton, California, to LeRoy Raymond and Alice Louise (Watts) Martindale. On February 15, 1963, she married William Howard Clore, and they had two children, David Wayne and Tamara Marie Clore. They later separated and Lola married DuWayne Willis Babcock on July 4, 1974, in Fullerton, California. The two spent their honeymoon on the drive home as they traveled to begin their life together in Bricelyn, Minnesota, where Lola made her forever home with DuWayne and her two children.
After settling in Bricelyn, Lola spent countless hours tending her garden. She also dedicated ten years as a Girl Scout leader, planning trips, guiding the girls, and welcoming them into her home. Later, she and DuWayne opened the Light House Café, which became a favorite gathering place where many local teenagers spent their afternoons.
Lola’s husband, DuWayne, joined the Lord in May of 1982. She continued to make Bricelyn her home, leaning on her faith and the love of her family. After DuWayne’s passing, Lola continued her education at Riverland Community College for her Secretarial associate’s degree while working and raising her youngest child, Tamara.
Lola took great pride in her work at the Walmart in Blue Earth, Minnesota. She began there before the store even opened and retired the day it closed, marking more than 35 years of service. Throughout her time there, she worked in nearly every department, including Hallmark and the American Greeting Company, and she also helped with remodels at other locations.
In addition to her pride in her work, Lola took great joy in her service at Covenant Life Church in Wells, Minnesota, where she found a wonderful church family. She served as the financial secretary, operated the sound system, served as the communion steward, assisted with Vacation Bible School, was a vital part of the ladies’ Bible study, and served as the accountant on the board for Shepherd’s Inn. She always stepped in to meet needs when they arose.
Lola was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, DuWayne; and 11 in-laws.
Lola is survived by her siblings, Erna Hopkins, Golden Ray (Luann) Martindale, Jessie Jones, Mary Carrol, and John (Christie) Martindale; her children, David (Edna) Clore and Tamara (Harry) Vershaw; her 10 grandchildren; her 15 great-grandchildren; and her 3 great-great-grandchildren.
I worked with Lola, who was funny and helpful in all areas of the store. She was a wonderful person, sending prayers and hugs to the family.
Best Girl Scout leader! So many fond memories. Sorry for your loss. Praying for those she left behind.
Lola was a kind, generous,& thoughtful person who believed in prayer as the power to bring positive change. I never heard her say anything negative about other people. She was a true friend.
So sorry to read of Lola’s passing. She was a wonderful person, loved hearing stories of her trips and her grandchildren. Thoughts and prayers to the family, may all your memories bring your heart peace as you say, “until we meet again” to a beautiful soul.
David and Tammy – I am so sorry to hear of Lola’s passing. I have so many fond memories of spending time with your family. I remember going to Bricelyn many years for the 4th of July celebrations. It is only now after reading her obituary did I realize why it was such a big celebration for DuWayne and Lola. I am very glad I was able to spend as much time with your family as I did. I am sorry, I will not be able to attend the funeral, we already have another commitment. Know that I am thinking of you all. Rhonda
So sorry to hear about Lola’s passing! I had the privilege of working with Lola at Wal-Mart between the store in Blue Earth to the Owatonna remodel. She was a very hard worker with a very big heart! She would mention if she would see my grandpa in Bricelyn & would let my mom & I know how he was. She will be greatly missed but is now celebrating with her husband of being back together with him again!
Just found out from a friend.. Lola was a joy to work with in Girl Scouts and a really good friend! We sort of lot contact after she stopped working in Blue Earth. Tammy and Michelle were in Girl Scouts and did some traveling with Lola in scouting. My symphony to Tammy and her brother.