Carolyn Jean Lenburg

Carolyn Jean Lenburg (nee Bergren), age 95, a longtime Portage resident passed away Monday, October 27, 2025.  She was born on June 30, 1930, in Gary Indiana to the late Clarence and Viola Bergren.  Carolyn graduated from Chesterton High School, Class of 1948.  She went on to obtain her Bachelor of Science from Valparaiso and her master's degree at Purdue. She had a love of teaching and for her students at Kyle Elementary where she taught at for the majority of her career.  Carolyn was a longtime member of Portage First United Methodist Church. She loved, playing games and cards especially with her Sunday funday girls club, arranging flowers, decorating at the church, traveling and watching sports, especially her Cubs.  She loved her kids, grandkids, her church and church family.

She is survived by three sons, James (Ana) Brocksmith, Daniel (Sue) Brocksmith, Jack (Sheila) Lenburg, two daughters, Jill Ryan, and Julie (Frank) Ford, one brother, Robert (Patty) Bergren, eleven grandchildren, Katie, Lisa (Mike), Dan (Samantha), Kelly (David), Zac (Jerica), Jake, Josh, Nicole, Cory, Matt (Keionna), and Shelby,  eleven great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her granddaughter, Deanna Brocksmith, and aunt, Elzene Johnson.

Memorial donations in Carolyn's honor may be made to the Shriners Children's Hospital, PO Box 947765, Atlanta, GA; 30394, Make A Wish Foundation, 4742 N. 24th Street, Phoenix, AZ, 85016, or Portage United Methodist Church Music Fund, 2637 McCool Road, Portage, IN  46368.

Funeral services are Saturday, November 8, 2025 at 1 p.m. at Rees Funeral Home, 5341 Central Ave., Portage, with Rev. Michael Lawson officiating.  Cremation will follow.  Visitation is Saturday, November 8, 2025, just prior to the service from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Rees Funeral Home, Olson Chapel, Portage.