Springfield — With deep sadness, we announce the passing of Carol Mary Butzen, a cherished member of the Springfield, Illinois, and Chicago communities, whose kindness and resilience touched many lives. Carol passed away Monday, Nov. 24, 2025, at Regency Care in Springfield. She was born June 18, 1938, in Chicago, the daughter of Carl and Loretta I. Ponshe Butzen. She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother Carl J. Butzen.

Carol graduated from the Illinois School for the Visually Impaired in Jacksonville in 1957. She earned an associate degree from Wright College. She worked at the University of Chicago for 18 years and at Ravenswood Hospital as a medical transcriptionist for 23 years, retiring in 2002. After her retirement, she moved to the Mary Bryant Home for the Blind and Visually Impaired in Springfield, where she had served on the Mary Bryant Home Association's board of trustees for several years. Carol lived at the Mary Bryant Home for 23 years until her recent health issues.

Carol attended Parkway Christian Church in Springfield. She had a passion for genealogy and was lovingly regarded as her family's historian. Carol's strength in overcoming life challenges was an inspiration to all who knew her. We know God has a special place in heaven for those who have tremendous difficulties and challenges in life.

Carol was known for her lively conversations and her unwavering support for the Chicago Cubs, often sharing stories of games she listened to on the radio.

Carol is survived by one brother, Chris W. Butzen, of Henderson, Nevada; one sister, Christine E. Potthast, of Chicago; two nephews, Kurt and Kent Potthast; and a grandniece, Kattie Roberts; and her friends, fellow residents and staff at the Mary Bryant Home.

Carol's legacy of compassion and perseverance will live in the hearts of her family, friends and all who had the privilege of knowing her. May St. Odilia guide her to eternal light. Requiescat in pace.

A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Dec. 12, 2025, at Bohemian National Cemetery in Chicago, with Deacon Ron Gronek officiating.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Mary Bryant Home for the Blind and Visually Impaired, 2960 Stanton St., Springfield, IL 62703.

Curry Funeral Home in Pawnee is honored to serve the family of Carol Butzen. Online condolences may be shared at www.curryfh.com.