Carol A. Donner, age 85, of Cary, IL, passed away on October 1, 2025. She was born March 27, 1940 to her loving parents, Carl and Agnes (née Branner) Krenz.

Carol was born and raised in Cary, IL, where she grew up with her parents, two sisters, and twin brothers. She graduated from Crystal Lake Community High School in 1958. During her junior year, she met the love of her life, Neal, and together they became high school sweethearts. After graduation, Carol worked at Uaarco from 1958 to 1962 while Neal served in the military. The two were married on June 3, 1961, beginning a marriage that would span 64 years and a lifetime of shared memories. Their first child, Brian, was born in 1962, followed by two daughters, Barbara and Bonnie.

After staying home to raise their children, Carol began working for President’s Forum in 1982, where she remained a dedicated bookkeeper until her retirement in 2018. Her work ethic and commitment were admired by all who knew her.

Carol had a lifelong love of horses, a passion that began in high school and continued throughout her life. She owned several horses over the years, enjoying trail rides and the company of fellow riders. That love led Carol and Neal to buy a home in the country, where she could live closer to what brought her joy. She joined a drill team and participated in many memorable events, including performing at Arlington Racetrack and riding in the Thanksgiving Parade in downtown Chicago — moments she cherished deeply.

Carol and Neal shared many adventures together, including family vacations, cruises, and trips with friends. In their younger years, they spent countless weekends with close friends and their children on the farm, making memories that lasted a lifetime.

Known for being loving, honest, and down-to-earth, Carol was the rock of her family. She was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother who found joy in the simple pleasures of life — family gatherings, time with friends, and laughter shared with those she loved most. She was admired for her strength, warmth, and no-nonsense wisdom.

Carol’s life was full of love, laughter, and purpose. She leaves behind a legacy of devotion and countless treasured memories for her family and friends. She will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege to know her.

Carol was preceded in death by her parents; sister and brother-in-law, Marilyn and Edward (Arlyn) Snyder; brother, David Krenz; sister-in-law, Sandy Krenz; and sons-in-law, Vance Sterrenberg and Richard Stumpfoll. She is survived by her husband, Neal Donner; children, Brian (Kelly) Donner, Barbara Stumpfoll, and Bonnie Sterrenberg; siblings, Patricia (Gerry) Boetsch and Donald Krenz; sister-in-law, Sandy Krenz; grandchildren, Kara (Ryan) Fox, Ty (Lily) Donner, Ryan Rhodes, Jordan Donner, Rebecca Stumpfoll, Deborah Stumpfoll, Stephanie Sterrenberg, and Daniel Stumpfoll; great-grandchildren, Luke and Ava Donner, Anthony Rhodes, and Gwendolyn Fox; and numerous nieces, nephews, and beloved friends.

A memorial visitation will be held from 10:00am until funeral service at 12:00pm, Saturday, October 25, 2025, at Kahle-Moore Funeral Home, 403 Silver Lake Road, Cary, IL 60013. Deacon Michael Boyce will be officiating.

Interment to follow at Windridge Memorial Park, 7014 S. Rawson Bridge Road, Cary, IL 60013.

Final arrangements entrusted to Kahle-Moore Funeral Home. For more information, call 847-639-3817.