Carol Weidmann

Carol L. Weidmann, of Rochelle, IL, passed away Monday evening, January 29, 2024, at The Moorings Nursing Home of Arlington Heights. Carol had just celebrated her 77^th birthday, on January 13, 2024, surrounded by birthday cake, candles, and a loving family.

Carol was born to Erhardt Weidmann and Eileen (Schillaire) Weidmann at the Cuneo Hospital in Chicago, IL in 1947. The second of three children, she grew up in Chicago, but spent most of her time in Wood Dale when her family moved there when she was eight years old. She attended St. Paul Lutheran School in Addison and Fenton High School in Bensenville. While in high school she found her love for theater. She appeared in many plays while keeping a high scholastic grade level. Along with theater, she was in the National Honor Society, Pep Club, and Choir.

She went on to attend Western Illinois University to study English Education and Theater Arts, where she obtained her master’s degree. She taught at the primary school on Western’s campus for several years, and then she answered the call to teach high school in Rochelle, IL. Besides teaching English, she was the Director of Theater at Rochelle Township High School. During her time there, she was selected to direct the Illinois High School Theater Festival All-State Performance and was awarded the Outstanding Contribution to Secondary Education by the Illinois Theater Association. This was just one of the many awards she received as an educator in Rochelle, but it was working with her students that was the most rewarding.

After Carol retired, she was active in bowling, enjoyed her book club, and loved to travel. She may have left the classroom but couldn’t stay away from the stage. She remained active in the Rochelle Community Theater Group where her love for acting, directing, singing, set design, and costume creation came to life once more.

After experiencing one of her shows, it was evident that her love for the theater shined bright. Whether it was watching her students find their voice on stage or taking pleasure in the audience uncovering a new world, she positively affected many in the theater programs she helped shape. Her light may now be dimmed, but the spark she ignited in others will continue to spread her joy and passion on stage. Carol will truly be missed by all who have had the opportunity to know and love her.

Carol leaves behind her sister Barbara Werner; brother Dennis Weidmann; Niece Jonna (James) Hall; great-niece Harper; great-nephews Hudson and Harrison; Nephew Jon (Kyane Crane); and many other friends and family.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, February 10^th, 2024, from 10:00 a.m. at The Oaks Funeral Home 1201 E. Irving Park Rd (at Prospect), Itasca, until time of Memorial Service, 11:00 a.m. Service officiated by Reverand Douglas Warmann of Trinity Lutheran Church. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to The Vince Carney Community Theater in Carol’s Honor, located at 108 S. Main St Rochelle, IL 61068 or at http://www.vcctrochelle.org/get-involved.html.