Carol Anne von Wahlde, 87, beloved wife of Dr. Urban "Cam" Camillus von Wahlde, passed away peacefully in her home in Creve Coeur, MO on Saturday, May 9, 2026, surrounded by family.

Carol Anne was born in Melrose Park, IL  on December 18, 1938 to the late Jerome Dvorak and Anne (Gaddy). Carol grew up there alongside her younger brother, the late Richard Dvorak (JoAnna), who was a life-long confidant and support. Her childhood was marked by time spent with all of her extended Lithuanian and Bohemian family. She graduated from Immaculate Conception High School and went on to study at Northern Illinois University 2 years and then completed her Masters at the Chicago Conservatory of Music. Her faith in the Roman Catholic Church led her to religious life, where she dedicated ten years of love and service to the Sisters of St Joseph of La Grange, IL. It was through that calling that she deeply affected the lives of many people, working in service with at-risk youth in the turbulence of the late 1960s. During her community work at Holy Family in Chicago, she met Cam, a young seminarian who would begin as a dear friend and eventually become her husband and the love of her life. They both found their second, stronger calling to begin a family, leaving their cloister in peace to become their own union in the light of their faith.

Carol and Cam married on May 13, 1972 and shortly thereafter moved to Dodge City, KS, where their son, Michael, was born. In 1976 the family moved to Scranton, PA where they were blessed by a second child, Lisa. Carol devoted her time to raising her children, playing and enjoying music and prayer. In 1980, the family returned to her hometown of Chicago, IL where they became deeply connected to the faith community of Saint Juliana's Parish. She applied her musical gifts providing lessons in piano and playing organ for church services. Maintaining this relationship of volunteerism and support through the tenure of their time in Chicago, she remained committed to the service of others through participation in CCD and marital retreats. A love of travel and an adventurous spirit brought Carol and Cam on countless trips to explore new places, visit familiar favorites, like the coast of Maine, and frequent trips to see family throughout the years. In 2022, they relocated to Saint Louis to be closer to their daughter, Lisa and her family.  Despite her illnesses, she survived 40 years as a kidney donor recipient through the gifts of two kidneys that she took great care of to the very end.

Carol was a proud mother to Michael von Wahlde (Alexandra) and Lisa Kvidahl (David). She celebrated being grandmother to six wonderful grandchildren: Ella, Lucia, Benjamin, and Trent; and Logan and Abigail. She showered them with praise, affection, and random gifts that would simply arrive reading, "from Grandma, with love." And love is what she gave throughout her long life. For anyone who had the opportunity to know her, Carol will be remembered as a person who loved unequivocally. Which is exemplified by her extensive social circle and her ability to remember and celebrate each and every birthday, anniversary, and graduation. She was the embodiment of a person for others, and her reach of love will live on in everyone her soul touched.

Carol's Visitation will be held Friday, May 29, 2026 at Skaja Funeral Home from 4:00 PM until 8:00 PM. Funeral services Saturday 9:15 AM to Saint Juliana Church for 10:00 AM Mass. Interment Maryhill Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please register with your local DMV as an organ donor and/or donate to kidney.org or csjoseph.org

Funeral info 847-966-7302 or www.skajafuneralhomes.com