Carolyn Schnirring Dungan

Carolyn Schnirring Dungan, a lifelong resident of Springfield, passed away on October 6, 2024, at her home with her husband and son at her side. She was born Carolyn Beth Schnirring on April 16, 1957, to William Richard and Mary Traylor Schnirring.

Carolyn attended Springfield Public Schools and graduated from Springfield High School in 1975. She attended Purdue University and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Interior Design in 1979. She was a member of the Gamma Phi Beta sorority and served as President of the Purdue chapter.

Carolyn began her career as an interior designer at Kittles Furniture in Indianapolis, IN. While in Indianapolis, she met her husband, Dan Dungan. They married at Westminster Presbyterian Church on May 1, 1982, in Springfield, IL. They relocated to Fort Worth, Texas, before settling back in Springfield, IL, in 1984. A professional member of the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID), Carolyn went on to establish her firm, CSD Design Group. She worked on numerous residential and commercial design projects across central Illinois throughout her career.

Carolyn’s family was her greatest joy and priority. She was a devoted wife to her husband, Dan, for over 42 years and a proud mother of their twins, Caitlin and Colin. Carolyn was blessed with two precious granddaughters, Nora and Anna Simhauser, and lovingly called, “Mimi.” She adored spending time with the girls, her love and warmth always shining through.

Carolyn has been active throughout the years in various civic and volunteer organizations. She was a member of the Junior League of Springfield, P.E.O. Chapter EO, Illini Country Club, Hole-In-The-Wall Golf Club, Naples,

Florida and Naples Yacht Club. Carolyn served on the boards of the Springfield Parks Foundation, Illinois Symphony Orchestra, and the Springfield Art Association. She was a lifelong member of Westminster Presbyterian Church and served as Deacon and Elder.

A gifted artist, Carolyn excelled in painting and pastels, and her creativity extended to many other areas of her life. She had a deep love for gardening and creating spaces for birds, bees, butterflies, and especially her beloved hummingbirds. She enjoyed reading, traveling to new places, and being in the company of good friends with good wine. She loved playing Mahjong and walking with her “walking group girls” in Washington Park. She had a great appreciation for the performing arts, particularly music concerts, musicals, and theater productions. She especially loved spending time in her happy place, walking along the beach in Naples, Florida.

Carolyn will be profoundly missed by her husband, Dan; son, Colin Dungan; daughter, Caitlin (Mark) Simhauser; granddaughters, Nora and Anna Simhauser; sister, Kathy (Randy) Germeraad; and brothers-in-law, Steve (Linda) Dungan and Don Dungan. She is also survived by her cousins, Rob (Cynthia) Kennedy, John (Linda) Kennedy, and Janice (Craig) Singer, as well as several nieces and nephews. Carolyn was preceded in death by her parents.

Cremation will be provided by Butler Cremation Tribute Center, prior to services.

Memorial Gathering: Family will receive friends from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, October 16, 2024, at Butler Funeral Home – Springfield, 900 S. Sixth St., Springfield.

Memorial Service: 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, October 17, 2024, at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 533 S. Walnut St., Springfield, with Rev. Dr. Blythe Denham Kieffer officiating.

A private family Graveside Service will be held at Oak Ridge Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to: Animal Protective League building fund, or Springfield Parks Foundation for the Washington Park Playground refresh.