Carol J. Hale

 Carol J. Hale, a wonderful human being whom was loved by all, passed away on December, 3 2024 at the age of 80. Carol’s life began March 3, 1944 to the parents of Harry “Bud” Mary (nee: Walsh) Ostendorf in Chicago’s South Shore Hospital. 

She graduated Fenger High School where she loved being a “Titanette.” Carol went to Western Illinois University and University of Illinois Chicago Circle. She married the love of her life William “Bill” H. Hale Sr. August 17, 1963. Then the adventures began and spanned 57 glorious years. A few highlights; they completed visiting all 50 States. They loved to support each other in shared and separate interests. You could see their love when they danced together, and because of that, they were picked to be Spotlight Dancers for American Bandstand when it was filmed in Prudential Building. 

Carol’s working career was just fun and fascinating. Lots of fun for a young newlywed lady working for Old Fitzgerald’s Bourbon in Chicago as an Administrative Assistant or back in the day as a secretary. Perfect for someone that didn’t drink. Indiana University - Bloomington Campus in the Physics Department. Where she got to meet some really cool people like Lee Corso, Bobby Knight, and would hang out with the famous Homer Neal. Working here also allowed her to be able to do cool things that young families could not do, like the Indianapolis 500. Attention! She worked for Crane Army Ammunition Activity which is an Army/Navy base in Crane Indiana. Lastly, to get thru a 31-year career at the Department of the Treasury as a Revenue Officer for the Internal Revenue Department. She helped roll out the computer system they use today, Small Business initiative programs, and was a trainer for multiple programs like the CPE (continue professional education) and VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) programs every year teaching the new tax changes to the people, helping to do free tax preparation at local libraries. She would spear head fundraising and executing memorials of trees and benches for co-workers like for the Oklahoma City Bombing. Not to mention try to make life more fun for a place you never wanted to tell anyone where you worked (what a way to get rid of someone that is trying to make small talk). Just to outdo herself, she was an entrepreneur, showing her creative side she started her own business while working full time for the IRS. Carol’s Creations was in business for over 40 years. She was looking forward to start new adventures and entered retirement on March 31, 2011! 

Many things close to Carol’s big heart. She really went out of her way to support all the Troops domestically and abroad. With her courage she really loved to do genealogy, volunteered to enter the 1940 census, rescue animals etc.. you name it Carol was always giving. 

Carol is survived by daughter Suzanne “Suzi” Hale, and William H. Hale JR.; her sisters Marge Johnson, Mary (Allan) McDonald; her brother William “Bill” (Fran) Ostendorf; many nieces, nephews and LOTS of cousins; not to forget her many silly pets. Proceeded her in death was her husband William “Bill” H. Hale SR. who gained his wing June 15, 2021. Her parents Harry “Bud” Elko and Mary Ostendorf.

A time to come and celebrate the wonderful life of Carol will take place Saturday, December 14, 2024 from 1:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. at Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, 1860 S. Mulford Road, Rockford, Illinois 61108. A time to share memories will follow at 3:00 p.m. at the funeral home. A fellowship will immediately follow at Hoffman House, 7550 E State St., Rockford Illinois, 61108. 

*Please return later for the full story of Carol's life