Mrs. Carol Jean Fritz

If anyone ever cared, really cared for someone else it would have to be Mrs. Carol Jean Fritz. She was a warm hearted and well liked individual, and these wonderful traits came easily to her because she was such a sociable and amiable person, someone who was always making certain that those around her had whatever they needed. Carol was a talkative person who was tactful at all times but typically said what she meant.

Carol was born in MacNeal Hospital in Berwyn, Illinois. She was the daughter of Helen and Julius Emminger. Carol was raised in Bensenville, Illinois. During her childhood she learned to be reliable and respectful. Carol was an obedient child who wanted to win the favor of others. She found it easy to show sympathy and to perform kind acts for others. These admirable qualities would become a part of Carol's personality throughout her life.

Though Carol was frequently the one to initiate games and activities with her family, she was also quite often the family member who took the role of referee. Carol was a peace-maker with an ability to resolve all sorts of family conflicts. In fact, Carol worked conscientiously to keep those typical family spats at bay. Carol was raised with one sibling. She had a sister, Joan Helen. Carol and her sibling had the typical rivalries while growing up, but they cared deeply for one another.

As someone who reveled in the sheer joy of her experiences, Carol was always enthusiastic about new adventures. Although she had an exacting nature, Carol was always tactful. One thing Carol will certainly be remembered for is that, when she got up in the mornings, she was ready and raring to go. As a young girl, Carol had a number of interests and was an active child. She was a part of choir and Rainbow girls. In her spare time she liked Story Book Dolls. Carol's memorable achievements included keeping her sister out working on cars.

For Carol, the school routines were never a problem although she generally preferred variety to structure. She seemed to be able to start a project and work right through to its completion. And she was able to do it quickly and efficiently. Carol was also adept at details. Carol was very observant and was generally quick at picking up new things. She graduated from Bensenville Community in June of 1955. She enjoyed some courses more than others, having favorite classes and teachers. Her favorite class in high school was Music. The teacher she enjoyed learning from the most was Mr. Deits. During high school, Carol took part in Choir and Rainbow Girls.

There was one thing that all of Carol's friends knew and will still remember, and that is that she was a talker. She could pretty much talk to anybody about anything. This quality is one of the primary reasons that Carol was such a popular person throughout her life. But Carol was also dependable, loyal and trustworthy. Carol was the kind of person who simply radiated good fellowship. While she maintained personal standards and her own personal values, Carol was very accepting of others. With a distinct skill for working things out, Carol was often the person who would organize events. In fact, Carol was fairly comfortable playing the role of “host” for just about any occasion. When Carol made friends, she made true and lasting friendships. While growing up, one of her best friends was Dorthy Kleven. Later in life, she became friends with Barbara Phillips.

Carol was a faithful and loving person. Some would even call her sentimental and a romantic at heart. Her kindness and consideration radiated an aura of warmth to those around her. Carol cared for what others thought and carried that into her marriage. Compassionate and devoted, Carol worked hard to make her new life partner happy.

Harmony was important to Carol and she made every effort to maintain it with her family. Carol was blessed with children; Donald , Debbie, Ronald , and Denise. They were also blessed with ten grandchildren; Juli, Alycia, Donald, Steven, Jennifer, Alexi, Courtney, Alex, Joshua and Christopher and two great - grandchildren; Ethan and Ava Lynn, as well as twins due in August. Carol was always conscious of the feelings others had. She was reasonable and understanding. As a result, Carol was quick to solve disputes and did so without much fuss. Her secret of success in this area was simple: Carol would listen before she would act.

Taking her work seriously came naturally to Carol, and she expected the same from those around her. Carol was a good team player, someone who was born to cooperate with others. She was what some would call a “people person” and it was demonstrated in her good communication skills. Carol was a steady worker, one who was realistic about schedules. The kind of details that would give family members and work colleagues fits were situations that Carol handled well. She could understand the details without getting lost in the broad “big picture.” Her primary occupation was Shipping and Receiving / Traffic manager. She was employed for Container Corp for 20 years. She brought harmony to her work environment, doing what was necessary in order to get the job done, while always maintaining respect for her colleagues.

A methodical woman, Carol enjoyed spending time working on her various hobbies. She had no problem following all of the steps and instructions on a given project and was proud of the fact that she could have something to show for her efforts. Her favorite pursuits were reading and knitting.

Her keen interest in things that affected the lives of other people led Carol to become actively involved in professional and community organizations. Because she was outgoing and worked well with others, Carol did her fair share of volunteer work. And she would not shy away from taking the lead on committees or events, either. She was a born list maker and was great at creating and sticking to schedules. In high school, Carol was a member of the rainbow Girls and Choir.

A generous and compassionate woman, Carol accomplished much during her lifetime. Though she never set out to gain individual recognition, Carol was recognized and given awards for her many and varied efforts throughout her life. Some of her most prestigious awards included Rainbow girls - Mother Adviser.

Not only did Carol enjoy traveling, but she also seemed to enjoy planning all of those trips and vacations. She was a facilitator who could easily make up a near perfect schedule of all of the things to do and see. She rarely tired of going back and revisiting her favorite places. Favorite vacations included with her folks to New Mexico, Texas and Minnesota.

Carol was a lover of animals and cherished her pets. One of her favorites was a Doberman Pincher named Toby, who was a best friend for 10 years.

Since it was easy for Carol to meet and get to know new people, she quickly made friends, even in retirement. Once she met those new friends, she loved sharing stories and talking about the good old days. Since she was practical and cost effective, Carol was ready when that day to retire finally came in September of 2005. Her new life involved relocating to her son and daughter-in-law's home. Even in retirement, Carol stayed in touch with her old friends and made plenty of new acquaintances. She was active in the community and felt fulfilled with the opportunities that retirement offered her.

Carol passed away on March 16, 2010 at Resurrection Hospital in Chicago. She is survived by her children Donald, Deborah, Ronald and Denise; her grandchildren Juli Bednarzyk, Alycia Green, Donald Fritz, Steve, Jennifer, and Alexi Rauschenberger, and Joshua and Christopher Hottenstein; and great -grandchildren Ethan Green and Ave Lynn Hottenstein. There are twins due in August. Services were held at Cypress Funeral Home in Glendale Heights, Illinois. Carol' ashes was laid to rest in Mt.Emblem Cemetery.

Carol was a fantastic conversationalist who could engage just about anyone in a discussion. And whenever she said something, she meant it. Carol was a down to earth person, outgoing and gregarious. She was without question the type of person who enjoyed experiencing things first hand. She was practical and sensible, but what friends and family will remember her for most is the fact that she was so understanding and kind. Everyone whose life she touched will miss Mrs. Carol Jean Fritz.