Carrie Gene Mein, 79, was called to her eternal rest on April 25, 2026, near Sun City West, Arizona. She was dearly loved in life by her husband Andy, her four sons, and eight grandchildren.
Born in Lincoln, Nebraska, November 20, 1946, to Floyd and Minnie (Curtis) Kulla, Carrie was the youngest of three daughters. She graduated from Lincoln Northeast High School where she was a varsity cheerleader and homecoming hostess, and later earned a degree in Education from the University of Nebraska where she was a member of the KKΓ Sorority. With an introduction through roommates in Omaha, Nebraska, she met the love of her life, Andreas “Andy” Mein.
Carrie taught elementary school for 17 years, including time at Harlan Elementary in Harlan, Iowa, where she and Andy moved after getting married in Lincoln. As Andy’s finance career led them across several states—Iowa, Wyoming, Montana, Idaho, Nebraska, Carrie continued teaching and nurturing her growing family, eventually settling in Kerrville, Texas, where she taught at Notre Dame School.
Carrie will be remembered for her warmth, kindness, elegance, and joyful spirit. She loved entertaining, traveling, music, dancing, and spending time with lifelong friends and family. Summers in Red River, New Mexico, in an Airstream trailer with Andy and family were among her happiest memories.
A devout Catholic, Carrie lived her faith through prayer, service and volunteer work, including with St. Vincent de Paul in Kerrville. She also enjoyed reading, hiking, golfing, water aerobics, cards and board games, movies and tv, cheering on Nebraska football (Go Big Red!) and her grandchildren’s sporting events.
Creativity was one of Carrie’s gifts. She loved sewing, crafting, decorating, and cooking cherished family recipes, especially during the holidays. Her handmade Christmas stockings, delicious casseroles, oyster dressing, runzas, cookies, and pies will remain treasured family traditions. She also had a well-known love of ice cream.
Above all, Carrie loved her family. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and friend whose joyful presence made life brighter for everyone around her.
She was preceded in death by her sisters, Darlene Doll and Donna Durham.
Carrie is survived by her beloved husband of 56 years, Andreas Mein; sons Bryon and wife Jennifer, Grant and wife Summer, Todd and partner Hollie, and John and wife Shalise; her grandchildren Joe, Jake, Maya, Sophia, Luka, Kimberly, Thomas, and Lila; and many loving extended family members.
The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Gloria and the staff of Alaga Assisted Living in Surprise, Arizona, for their compassionate care in Carrie’s final days.
A private family service will be held, with interment at Garden of Memories in Kerrville, Texas. A Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or A Walk to End Alzheimer’s. For more information, visit alz.org/edwardjones