Carol Ann Rietschel

Carol Ann Rietschel, 80, passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 1, 2026. She was born July 6, 1945, in Chicago to the late Felix and Helen (née Prelaske) Struzynski.

Carol embraced life with a passion for travel, warm weather, and the water. From a lifelong desire to live near the water to boating with family and friends, it always brought her a sense of peace. She began each day with coffee and ended it with a glass of red wine—two small pleasures she never skipped. Carol also loved dining out, expressing her creativity through interior decorating and gardening, and spending time with a good book. An avid reader and librarian, she found joy in learning and quiet moments.

Animals held a special place in her heart. Over the years she dearly loved her dogs and, later in life, her two cats. Carol also enjoyed music and dancing, celebrating holidays—especially her birthday—and attending Sunday Mass with a devotion to Mother Mary.

Above all, Carol treasured time with her family. Her children and grandchildren were the center of her life, and the moments spent together meant the most to her.

Carol is survived by her loving family: her children, Lisa (Erin Elliott) Rietschel and Jacob “Jake” (Stacy) Rietschel; daughter-in-law, Kathy Rietschel; grandchildren, Lauren Rietschel, Lindsey (Adam) Pittser, Chad Rietschel, Janelle (Zac) Lahrman, Brett Rietschel, Madison Rietschel, Casey Rietschel, Brady Rietschel, Grant Miller, Carter Miller, and Kasey Miller; great-grandchildren, Jayden, Kamden, Rylan, and Rowan; and sisters, Mary Lou Kaye and Kathy (Wayne) Endemann ; and sister-in-law, Mel (Brian) Tarkowski. . In addition to her parents, Carol was preceded in death by her beloved son, Jeffrey Rietschel.

A mass will be held on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, at 10am, at Our Lady of the Lakes, St. Peter’s Church, 557 Lake Street, Antioch, IL. Interment is private.

To honor the care provided to Carol, the family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorial gifts be directed to Lisa Rietschel to be donated to the individual caregivers that provided Carol with compassionate care throughout her journey.

Arrangements entrusted to Sambrano Funeral & Cremation, Gurnee. You may sign the online guestbook at LauraSambranoFunerals.com; 847-571-7719.

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