The DeKalb County Community Foundation is honored to announce the Caryl Steimel St. Mary’s DeKalb Scholarship Fund. The Fund provides two scholarships of $1,000 each, awarded to a boy and girl entering the 4th or 5th grade at St. Mary Catholic School in DeKalb. The scholarship was created by Roger Steimel to honor the memory of his late wife.

Caryl was born October 9, 1941, in Aurora, IL. She attended Annunciation School, Madonna High School, and then went on to St. Joseph Hospital School of Nursing, graduating in 1962. She was a nurse at St. Mary Hospital in DeKalb before devoting her life to raising her children with Roger on the family farm in rural DeKalb. She married Roger, the love of her life, on April 27, 1963. She had a strong faith in God, was an active member of St. Mary Catholic Church, and a long-time member of the choir.

Caryl loved to share her passions with her children and grandchildren. Her appreciation of nature was shared by taking them on many weekend hikes to local forest preserves and parks. Caryl loved to sing and was an avid reader. She taught her family to appreciate hymnals, good stories, and the public library.

As a lifelong seamstress, Caryl began quilting in the 1980’s. She was a member of the DeKalb County Quilters Guild and displayed her works at many Quilt Guild shows. She made many beautiful quilts that were treasured gifts for her family.

Caryl passed away on August 31, 2018. “St. Mary’s was very important to Caryl,” said Roger. “Our children and grandchildren attended the school, which inspired her to support St. Mary’s in many ways. This scholarship is another way for Caryl’s faith and support to continue.”

Donations to any Fund at the Community Foundation, including the Caryl Steimel St. Mary’s DeKalb Scholarship Fund, can be made online at dekalbccf.org/donate, or by mail to the DeKalb County Community Foundation, 475 DeKalb Avenue, Sycamore, IL 60178. For questions or additional information on funds, please contact Executive Director Dan Templin at 815-748-5383 or dan@dekalbccf.org.

Pictured: Caryl Steimel

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