Carolyn Elizabeth Fellmer

12/13/1960

08/14/2026

Carolyn Elizabeth (Stitgen) Fellmer, born December 13, 1960, in Evanston, Il, passed away peacefully on August 14, 2026, after a long and courageous journey with Early Onset Alzheimer’s, surrounded by love.

Carolyn moved several times during her childhood but found a special sense of family and belonging in Madison, Wisconsin, where her beloved grandmother, Catherine Stitgen, and extended family welcomed her with love. Her grandmother and cousins held a special place in Carolyn’s heart, and those family connections gave her a deep sense of home that she carried throughout her life.

It was in Elkhart, Indiana, where Carolyn found one of the great loves of her life: horses. With her own horse, she discovered a sense of freedom, joy, and connection that stayed with her throughout her life.

Carolyn eventually settled in the Grand Rapids area. There she fell in love and married her husband of 32 years, Mike Fellmer. She and Mike found an especially peaceful place to call home in nearby Lowell, MI, where they’ve lived for 27 years in a beautiful, wooded setting surrounded by the nature she loved.

Carolyn was a strong, gentle, generous, and loving soul. She had a beautiful smile, an easy laugh, and a deep love for animals and nature. Horses, pets, music, coffee, and the simple beauty of the natural world brought her happiness. Throughout her journey with Early Onset Alzheimer’s, Mike made sure horses remained part of her life. Even when the disease made it impossible for Carolyn to mount a horse on her own, once she was in the saddle, she could ride as naturally as she could breathe. For those moments, the disease seemed to melt away, and Carolyn was once again simply herself – joyful, confident, and at home. She was able to ride until just a few months before her passing. Her two beloved dogs also remained faithful companions throughout her journey.

Carolyn is survived by her devoted husband, Mike, whose unwavering love and care carried her through her years with Alzheimer’s. Mike was her rock, caring for Carolyn at home throughout her entire journey and making it possible for her to remain in the home she loved. She is also survived by her sisters, Kathy Beteta, Jennifer (Oliver) Rathlein; her niece, Ashley Beteta; her nephew, Alex Beteta; grandmother-in-law, Alice Olsen; parents-in-law, Robert & Penny Fellmer; and sister-in-law, Kristina Stranz.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Stan and Anne Stitgen; and her beloved grandmother, Catherine Stitgen.

Carolyn leaves behind a lifetime of love in the hearts of those who knew her. She will be remembered for her gentle spirit, generous heart, beautiful smile, and the joy she found in the creatures and natural world around her.

Ride free, Carolyn.

 

A Celebration of Life honoring Carolyn will be held on Friday, August 28, from 5:00–8:00 PM at the Qua-Ke-Zik Sportsman’s Club, 8731 Riverside Drive, Saranac, Michigan 48881.

Carolyn and Mike shared many happy memories together at Qua-Ke-Zik, enjoying their love of shooting sports and the friendships they made there. Family and friends are invited to gather, share memories, and celebrate Carolyn’s life. 

RSVP Here

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly invites donations to The Barn for Equine Learning – a 501(c)(3) organization – where Carolyn found comfort, connection, and joy through her love of horses.

Donate: The Barn for Equine Learning