Carlen R. Brinser, 88, a resident of Gurnee, IL and formerly of Davenport, IA, passed away January 6, 2026 at Bickford of Gurnee. She was born August 19, 1937 in Cincinnati, OH to Carl and Helen Schueler.

Carlen graduated from Withrow High School in Cincinnati, OH and later received a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from University of Cincinnati where she also met her first husband, John.In her earlier days she was an avid musician and thespian who played piano, sang, and enjoyed being on stage.After losing her first husband at an early age and while raising 3 children as a single mother,Carlen worked for many years in fundraising at St. James Hospital in Chicago Heights, IL. Asher children went off to college, she moved to Davenport, IA where she became the founding Executive Director of the St. Luke’s Foundation and subsequently consolidated two very strong Foundation organizations of Mercy & St. Luke’s hospitals. During her tenure, Carlen was a strong but empathetic mentor and leader who made a positive impact on those around her while raising millions of dollars for the hospital. She also made a difference in her community volunteering as board member for many organizations such as Marriage and Family Counseling Service, Rotary, and local chambers. 

After retirement, she enjoyed traveling with her husband, Don and spending time with her children and grandchildren.Those who knew her well knew that Carlen loved her family and friends deeply and always had a smile and a kind word for anyone she met. 

Carlen is survived by her children John (Pamela) Rosensteel Jr, Robert (Michele) Rosensteel,and Julie (Frank) Carolan, her grandchildren John Rosensteel III, Melissa (Jay) Miller, Kyle Rosensteel, Alex (Emma) Rosensteel, Ryan (Ingie) Carolan, Tanner (Julia Cravens) Carolan, and Delaney (Sam Bricco) Carolan, and one great-grandchild on the way. She was preceded in death by her parents and her husbands John Rosensteel Sr., Paul Rietveld, and Donald Brinser.

A memorial visitation and service will be held on January 24, 2026 at Strang Funeral Chapel & Crematorium 410 E. Belvidere Rd. Grayslake, IL 60030 from 11:00am until 12:30pm with the memorial service commencing at 12:30pm. Interment will be held privately. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Parkinson's Foundation.

For more information log onto www.strangfuneral.org or contact (847)223-8122.