Carol B. Kinder, aged 80, a longtime resident of Wheaton and Glen Ellyn, passed away on Tuesday, June 10, 2025. Carol was born April 22, 1945, in Chicago, Illinois to Ewald Berglund and Eva Bjorkman. Her father was a World War II Veteran, and her mother was a first-generation immigrant from Sweden.  Carol grew up in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Carol is survived by her daughter Kristina (Joseph) Hurst and her cousin, Karen (Doug) Kowert.

Carol was preceded in passing by her parents, brother, Dr. Kent E. Berglund and nephew Kent Berglund, Jr.  and her close friend Kip W. Kinder.

Carol attended Ben Davis High School, class of 1963. Carol graduated from Hanover College, Indiana with a degree in education and was a member of Kappa Alpha Theta.  She furthered her academic career with a masters in reading from Butler University, Indiana.

Carol devoted over 40 years to education, most notably as Discovery teacher and Director of Gifted Education in Darien School District 61. Carol loved her students and encouraged them to think independently. Maintaining relationships with her students long after she retired came naturally for her. Many of her students would invite her to their weddings, write her letters of their favorite Discovery memories and how she impacted their lives positively – "truly one of the biggest influences on my life and by far the best teacher I've ever had".

Carol's generosity touched many people and organizations.  She was an avid supporter of animal rescue (she loved animals), the police, women's groups, and veterans, amongst many others. Her thoughtfulness and steadfast convictions for what and whom she believed in, always close to her heart.

Carol loved spending time with her daughter, son-in-law, and grand-doggies and visiting the various states in which they lived.

Carol was a member of Anglican Church of The Great Shepard.  She enjoyed baking, participating in book club, and the women's group.

Carol loved to travel, sharing international adventures with her mother, cruises with her teaching partner, weekends with Indiana best friends, and various trips with her daughter and son-in-law.

Carol never met a stranger. Her warmth, sincerity, and natural ability to connect made everyone feel like a friend. Whether it was a student, a neighbor, or someone she met while traveling, Carol had a gift for making people feel seen and valued. She was genuinely interested in others, always listening with compassion and offering thoughtful insight. Her friendships were deep and enduring, and her care extended far beyond words—she remained engaged in the lives of those she loved, cheering on their successes, offering support in difficult times, and reminding them of their worth.

"Man made the church, and God created the oak tree".  We hope Carol is sitting by the big ole' oak tree.

A Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Anglican Church of The Great Shepard. https://www.greatshepherd.org/contact/