Carol Donner

1940 - 2025

Carol Donner
Born: March 27, 1940 in Cary, IL
Died: October 1, 2025 in Barrington, IL
Carol A. Donner, 85, of Cary, passed away on Oct 1. She was born Mar 27, 1940 to Carl and Agnes (née Branner) Krenz. Born and raised in Cary, she graduated from Crystal Lake Community HS, 1958. During her junior year, she met the love of her life, Neal. After graduation, Carol worked at Uaarco 1958-1962 while Neal served in the military. The two were married June 3, 1961, beginning a marriage that would span 64 years. Together they raised three children.
After staying home to raise their children, Carol began working for President's Forum in 1982, where she remained a dedicated bookkeeper until retiring 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. 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 - family gatherings, time with friends, and laughter shared with those she loved most. She was admired for her strength, warmth, and no-nonsense wisdom. She leaves behind a legacy of devotion and countless treasured memories, and 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 10am until service at 12pm, Sat, Oct 25, at Kahle-Moore Funeral Home, 403 Silver Lake Rd, Cary. Interment to follow at Windridge Memorial Park, 7014 S. Rawson Bridge Rd, Cary. For more information, call 847-639-3817.