Carol A. Rezac

Carol Anne Rezac (née Kapla), a woman of steadfast resilience and deep love for her family, passed away peacefully on Sunday, November 9, 2025, at the age of 81. Born in Chicago, IL, on March 27, 1944, Carol was a lifelong resident of the Chicago area, most recently residing in Lemont, IL.
Carol was an exceptionally bright and accomplished student. At Farragut High School in Chicago, she served as Vice President of her senior class, participated in the Future Teachers of America and the Senior Honors Society, and graduated as valedictorian of the Class of 1962. It was also at Farragut where she met the love of her life, Tom.
Carol and Tom married in 1965 and, after having three children, moved their growing family from the Little Village neighborhood in Chicago to Naperville, IL in 1975. Carol was a cherished mother and grandmother. She devoted her life to raising her children, caring for her grandchildren, and spending time with her family.
One of Carol's greatest joys was cooking and exploring new recipes. She was an amazing cook and dedicated collector of cookbooks and cooking shows. Some of her best culinary memories revolved around late-night restaurant explorations at suburban favorites like Bohemian Crystal, Romano's, and Chuck Cavallini's.
Carol is survived by her children: Michael (Sharon) Rezac of Naperville; Laura (Scott) Zeitler of Bolingbrook, IL; and Daniel (Annie) Rezac of Wheeling, IL. She was a loving grandmother to Lucas, Anna, Christina, Stevie, John, and Kara. Fond cousin, aunt, and friend of many.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Thomas D. Rezac, her brother, Philip J. Kapla, and her mother, Anna Kapla (née Mihaljevich).
Visitation will be held on Monday, November 17, 2025, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM at Friedrich-Jones Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 44 S. Mill St., Naperville.
A short celebration of Carol's life will follow Monday, 12:00 PM in the funeral home.
A private interment will take place at Bohemian National Cemetery, 5255 N Pulaski Rd, Chicago, IL 60630, (773) 539-8442.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Carol's memory may be made to:
Loaves & Fishes Community Pantry, 1871 High Grove Lane, Naperville, IL 60540, (630) 355-3663, www.loaves-fishes.org
For more information, please visit www.friedrich-jones.com or call (630) 355-0213.