CAROL LOUISE FRAVALA
November 22, 1951 – November 12, 2025
Fortified with the Sacraments of the Holy Mother Church, Carol Louise (Steffey) Fravala passed away November 12, 2025, at the age of 73. Known for her warmth, resilience, and devotion to family, friends, and students, Carol touched countless lives.
Carol was a longtime native of Elmhurst and attended York High School, Class of 1969.
Born in Chicago, Illinois, Carol was the middle child of Richard and Louise (Watson) Steffey. She earned an education degree from Valparaiso University, where she was a proud member of Kappa Psi Omega (now Kappa Delta). In 1976, she married the love of her life, George Michael “Mike” Fravala. Together they shared over 45 years of marriage, raised two daughters, and built a life grounded in faith, service, and shared joys of travel, hospitality, politics, German Shorthaired Pointers, golf, basketball, and baseball, including a spirited Cubs-Cardinals blended family rivalry.
Carol’s passion for education spanned decades—from classroom teacher to substitute to room mom—in Catholic and public schools across Illinois, Wisconsin, Michigan, and Indiana. Her creativity, kindness, and love of reading, and technology enriched countless students.
Carol also worked as a realtor and took joy in helping families find their homes. She and Mike shared a strong interest in politics and civic life. Carol was active in local Republican women’s groups, a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution in both Peoria, IL, and St. Charles, MO, and had a deep love of genealogy.
Carol especially loved summers at the family cottage in Wisconsin—boating, fishing, reading, and creating lifelong memories. A fearless and joyful speedboat driver, she delighted (and occasionally terrified) tubers of all ages. At home, she covered every inch with Christmas decorations, loved bringing them out, and never wanted the season—or the magic—to end.
Through all her health challenges, Carol remained steadfast and hopeful—a true fighter. She drew strength from her deep love of family, always striving to be an example of perseverance and hope. Carol was immensely proud of the life she built with Mike, and of her children, grandchildren, and loved ones—freely sharing stories about them with every aid, nurse, or doctor who would listen.
She is survived by her daughters, Kendra “Shelly” (Brian) Marstall, and Melissa (Stephen) Hefler; grandchildren Hannah, Samuel, Mary, Charlotte, David, Avery, Lucy, and Nathan; siblings Douglas (Kristina Polley) Steffey, and Marcia (David) Knuepfer; sister-in-law Marsha “Kay” (Philip) Grabbe; and many nieces, nephews, and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband, Mike; parents; in-laws George and Virginia “Jean” Fravala; grandson Daniel Marstall; and siblings-in-law Connie and Larry Phillips, and Lynn Steffey.
Visitation took place on Wednesday, November 19th and Thursday, November 20th, 2025 at Hutchens-Stygar Funeral Home, 5987 Mid Rivers Mall Dr., St. Charles, MO until time of Mass at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, IN THE CHAPEL, 7701 Town Square Ave., Dardenne Prairie, MO.
Private inurnment will follow at a later date.
Memorials may be made to the Women’s Care Center, Peoria, IL, supportwomenscarecenter.org, or St. Jude Catholic School, Peoria, IL, stjudecatholic.com/donate-online.