Carolyn Guenther

Share

Carolyn Guenther, age 80, of Galesburg, Illinois passed away at 12:25 P.M. on Saturday, January 14, 2023 at the Richard L. Owens Hospice Home in Peoria, Illinois.

She was born on October 31, 1942 in Moline, Illinois the daughter of William S. and Ruby I. (Bangston) Sturgeon.

Surviving is a son, John (Tammy) Guenther of Carlisle, Iowa; two grandchildren Nathan & Kale Guenther; a sister Bette Strom of Altona, Illinois. She was preceded in death by her parents and one son David.

Graduate of ROVA class of 1960, Carolyn wed C. David Guenther and worked for Butler manufacturing until becoming a mother.  After son David’s 1988 automobile accident, quadriplegic spinal cord injury, and eventual death two years later, Carolyn dedicated her life to advocate for spinal cord injury victims as a medical social worker.  Her undergraduate degree came from SIU Carbondale where she served as Sigma Pi Fraternity house mother, then a Master Degree from U of I while receiving 4.0 GPAs from both universities.  Carolyn spent her career at the VA in Milwaukee, WI where her crowning achievement was facilitating numerous changes to social security laws in order to assist the paralyzed.  Unbeknownst to most, she was publicized and honored for her achievements.  Carolyn was beloved by her patients, their families, and co-workers, yet truly feared by other government employees and elected officials across the United States.  She looked forward to work every day and was a true champion for all those in need.

A private service will be held at a later date. Memorials may be made to the Ransom Library in Altona, Illinois. Hurd-Hendricks Funeral Homes & Crematory is in charge of her arrangements.

On-line condolences and/or expressions of sympathy may be sent through www.hurd-hendricksfuneralhome.com

Spread the word

Other Obituaries

Latest News Podcasts

Subscribe to our Community Newsletter

By submitting this form, you are consenting to receive marketing emails from: Prairie Communications, 55 Public Square, Monmouth, IL, 61462, https://977wmoi.com/. You can revoke your consent to receive emails at any time by using the SafeUnsubscribe® link, found at the bottom of every email. Emails are serviced by Constant Contact

Choose a Category

Continue Reading

Thomas E. Brownlee

Thomas E. Brownlee, 67, of Little York, IL, passed away on Wednesday, May 1, 2024 at his home surrounded by his family. Tom was born August 10, 1956 in Monmouth,

Larry L. Lain

Larry L. Lain, 67, of Oquawka, IL, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, April 30, 2024 at his home. Larry was born February 12, 1957 in Oregon, IL, the son of

Mary Diane Gullberg

Mary Diane Gullberg, age 64, of Media, Illinois, passed away suddenly Sunday, April 28, 2024 at her home.  She was born September 27, 1959 in LaHarpe, Illinois, the daughter of

Gary F. “Nick” Nicklas

Mr. Gary F. “Nick” Nicklas, age 73, of Abingdon, Illinois died 3:58 p.m. Friday, April 26, 2024, at his home.  He was born May 26, 1950, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Harry Milton Engholm

Harry Milton Engholm, 95, of Galesburg, died at 11:20 p.m. Sunday, April 28, 2024, in OSF Richard Owens Hospice Home in Peoria, Illinois. Harry Milton Engholm was born on January