Carol Jean Rydberg, 81, passed away peacefully on July 5, 2026, at Sunrise of Lincoln Park in Chicago, where she had resided since 2022.

Born on May 8, 1945, in Sycamore, Illinois, Carol was the daughter of Harvey W. and Juanita M. (Zekoff) Clausen. She was the mother of Thomas A. Payne and later became a loving stepmother to Alan (Scott) and Jason B. Rydberg. Following her second marriage, Carol shared nearly 30 years with her beloved companion, Tom Cadie, until his passing.

Carol devoted her entire professional career to DeKalb Clinic, where she worked from 1965 until her retirement in 2013. Beginning as a laboratory technician and later serving as laboratory manager, she helped build and lead a laboratory department whose reputation reflected her dedication, professionalism, and commitment to excellence.

Kindness defined Carol's life. She was always willing to put the needs of others ahead of her own, especially when it came to her family. She never believed she had done enough for the people she loved, even though those around her knew she had already given far more than anyone could reasonably ask. Her generosity wasn't something she talked about—it was simply the way she lived.

Carol found peace in the beauty of the natural world. She loved reading, gardening, and bird watching, and she never tired of flowers, trees, and the sight of a bright red cardinal. Music was another lifelong joy, and she was singing and humming until the very end of her life.

She is survived by her brother, Robert E. Clausen; her son, Thomas A. Payne; her step-sons, Alan (Scott) Rydberg and Jason B. Rydberg; her granddaughters, Hannah, Autumn, Morgan and Charlee Rydberg; her three nephews; and many cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Harvey W. and Juanita M. Clausen; her longtime companion, Tom Cadie; and her grandparents.

Carol's visitation will be on July 20th from 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM at the Slater-Butala Funeral Home, 132 W Main St., Genoa, IL 60135.  A funeral service will begin at 1:30 PM, with a burial to follow at the Genoa Township Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association or Bristol Hospice Chicago. Carol loved flowers, however, and those who wish to honor her memory with a bouquet are encouraged to do so.

To sign the online guestbook or to share a special memory, please visit www.ButalaFuneralHomes.com