Carol Francis Stephan (Bender, Aunt Red, Gertrude),91, passed away June 12, 2025, at St. Anne Home and Retirement Community, in Fort Wayne, IN. She was born on May 5, 1934, in Fort Wayne, IN, the daughter of Garth and Louise Bender. Carol attended Central Catholic High School. She married Louis Stephan on May 15, 1959.
Carol was employed as a car hop at Don Halls and worked at the US Rubber Company. She also worked at International Harvester and was very proficient in using shorthand on a daily basis. Carol retired from Super Market Service after 18 years.
She was a member of St. Alban’s Episcopal Church.
Carol enjoyed crocheting and made many beautiful afghans and loved to sew. She enjoyed building puzzles, reading, boat rides, fishing and playing the piano. Her true passion was spending time with her family.
Carol is survived by her children, Lisa (Jeff) Nicely of Nancy, KY, Tina Stephan of Fort Wayne, IN, and Neal (Danielle) Stephan of Troutman, NC; 3 grandchildren; 7 great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 63 years, Louis Stephan; her parents; a sister, a brother and brother-in-law.
A memorial service will be 11:00 am on Saturday July 12, 2025, at D.O. McComb and Sons Lakeside Park Funeral Home with a gathering one hour prior. Memorials may be made to St. Alban’s Episcopal Church, 7308 St. Joe Road, Fort Wayne, IN 46835.
