Carol Lillian Goerne

Carol Lillian Goerne of Buffalo Grove, Illinois, passed away on Sunday, January 21, 2024 at the age of 84. She was born on May 31, 1939 in Chicago, Illinois, where she grew up with her parents, Melvin Frank William Peterson and Frieda Elsie (LANGE) Peterson, and siblings Alan and Diane.

She graduated from Taft High School in 1953 and studied landscape design at Milwaukee Area Technical College. She worked a number of jobs in the Chicago area, most recently as an expediter for Xytel Corporation.

Carol was actively involved in painting, gardening, stamp collecting, travel, music and reading. She was a member of Arlington Countryside Church (now Pathway Church). She was blessed with over 38 years of sobriety and freedom from nicotine.

She was preceded in death by her husbands, Richard Goerne and LeRoy Prellwitz.

Carol is survived by her sons, Grant (Leslie) Prellwitz and Eric Prellwitz; brother, Alan (Elaine) Peterson; and sister, Diane (nee Peterson) Wilk.

In her youth, Carol had a natural beauty and aspired to be a model. One of her nieces said that she looked like a movie star. She had a love of nature, fostering a wildflower garden in the backyard in Lincolnshire and pursuing landscaping in college. She told of walking along cliff sides with her son on her back when living in Sharon, MA, and her paintings focused on landscapes and natural scenes.

She had great compassion for others, helping them through their personal trials. She cared deeply for Lee, and raised two wonderful boys with him, but it was with Richard that she found the love of her life. They enjoyed many trips together through Elderhostel (now Road Scholar) and on their own. She loved the two Siamese cats he got her, and they mourned their passing together. They loved the time they spent with the Saints, ushering patrons to some of the best experiences in Chicagoland. She was bereft when Dick passed, but persevered in his absence for almost a decade.

The family would like to thank the PALs at Belmont Village Buffalo Grove assisted living for the care and compassion they showed Carol in her last years.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in their honor to Heifer International (heifer.org), a charity that was dear to her.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, March 23, 2024 at 11 am at the Pathway Church (formerly Arlington Countryside Church), https://yourpathwaychurch.org, 916 E Hintz Rd, Arlington Heights, IL 60004. Immediately following the service, from noon to 2 pm on Saturday, March 23 there will be a Repast at Lou Malnati’s, 85 S Buffalo Grove Rd, Buffalo Grove, IL 60089.