Carolyn Faith Grune

Carolyn Grune, 78, of Somonauk, Ill, passed away peacefully November 1, 2025, at The Pearl at the Tillers nursing home in Oswego, Ill. She was the daughter of Gustav and Ethel Grune, and sister to Gordon Grune.

Carolyn earned a Bachelor of Arts in the Teaching of Speech, from the University of Illinois in 1969. She followed that up with a Master of Arts the next year.

Carolyn had a passion for teaching. She taught in Schaumburg, at Jane Addams Jr. HS from about 1975-2007 when she retired. In addition to teaching she helped with school plays and working on school yearbooks. Loving the theater, she would use puppets in her classroom as actors in the books and plays the students were studying.

For many summers Carolyn and her mother would spend time with family and friends at her cousin’s lodge in southwestern Michigan, aptly named “Sunset Lodge Retreat Center”. It was a summer favorite. Though she spent many years in Oak Park, Ill, she and her mother eventually came to reside in Lake Holiday in Somonauk, Ill.

Carolyn was an avid traveler, sometimes with her family and friends, or later on her own. Through these excursions she saw castles, fjords, famous landmarks, rolling hillsides, and oceans seascapes as she visited Norway, Sweden, Japan, Ireland, Iceland, Australia, and not to mention Alaska and Hawaii. The Caribbean was a favorite site as well.

Beside teaching and traveling, Carolyn had a love for Welsh Terriers. She always had at least one or two living with her. Megan, Harper, Jessie, and Beezer, were just a few.

After retirement, and when not traveling, she volunteered at Valley West Hospital in Sandwich, Ill, and worked part time at Central Dupage hospital.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Gustav and Ethel, and her brother Gordon. She is survived by a nephew, Christopher and 2 nieces, Kathryn and Jennifer, one grand nephew, Conan and one grand niece, Gretchen.

Special friends she leaves behind are Ric, Kathy, Kim, Bob and Mary.

Carolyn chose not to have a memorial service. Donations in Carolyn’s name can be made to the Welsh Terrier foundation, WTCARES c/o Lynn Hollis, 164 North Forrest Avenue, Camden, TN 38320.

Special thanks to the doctors, nurses, CNA’s, and staff of The Pearl at the Tillers in Oswego, and Apex hospice for their care of Carolyn during her stay.

Beverage funeral home in Sandwich, Il, is handling her arrangements. www.beveragefamilyfh.com