Carol Louise (Steffey) Fravala, 73, of Cottleville, MO, died on Wednesday, Nov. 12, 2025, fortified with the Sacraments of the Holy Mother Church.
Visitation will take place on Wednesday, Nov. 19, from 4 to 8 p.m. at Hutchens-Stygar Funeral Home, located at 5987 Mid Rivers Mall Dr. in St. Charles, MO, and again on Thursday, Nov. 20, from 9 a.m. until time of Mass at 10 a.m. in the chapel at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, located at 7701 Town Square Ave. in Dardenne Prairie, MO. Please note the smaller chapel located near the corner of the property, not the larger church on the hill. Private inurnment will follow at a later date.
She was the wife of Mike Fravala, a Hillsboro native; and sister-in-law to Marsha Kay and Philip Grabbe of Fillmore. Known for her warmth, resilience and devotion to family, friends and students, Mrs. Fravala touched countless lives.
Born in Chicago, Mrs. Fravala was the middle child of Richard and Louise (Watson) Steffey. She earned an education degree from Valparaiso University, where she was a proud member of Kappa Psi Omega (now Kappa Delta).
In 1976, she married the love of her life, George Michael “Mike” Fravala. Together they shared over 45 years of marriage, raised two daughters and built a life grounded in faith, service and shared joys of travel, hospitality, politics, German Shorthaired Pointers, golf, basketball and baseball, including a spirited Cubs-Cardinals blended family rivalry.
Mrs. Fravala’s passion for education spanned decades, from classroom teacher to substitute to room mom, in Catholic and public schools across Illinois, Wisconsin, Michigan and Indiana. Her creativity, kindness and love of reading and technology enriched countless students.
Mrs. Fravala also worked as a realtor and took joy in helping families find their homes. She and her husband shared a strong interest in politics and civic life. Mrs. Fravala was active in local Republican women’s groups, a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution in both Peoria and St. Charles, MO, and had a deep love of genealogy.
Mrs. Fravala especially loved summers at the family cottage in Wisconsin, boating, fishing, reading and creating lifelong memories. A fearless and joyful speedboat driver, she delighted (and occasionally terrified) tubers of all ages. At home, she covered every inch with Christmas decorations, loved bringing them out and never wanted the season—or the magic—to end.
Through all her health challenges, Mrs. Fravala remained steadfast and hopeful, a true fighter. She drew strength from her deep love of family, always striving to be an example of perseverance and hope. Mrs. Fravala was immensely proud of the life she built with her husband and of her children, grandchildren and loved ones—freely sharing stories about them with every aide, nurse, or doctor who would listen.
She is survived by her daughters, Kendra “Shelly” (Brian) Marstall and Melissa (Stephen) Hefler; grandchildren, Hannah, Samuel, Mary, Charlotte, David, Avery, Lucy and Nathan; siblings, Douglas (Kristina Polley) Steffey and Marcia (David) Knuepfer; sister-in-law, Marsha “Kay” (Philip) Grabbe; and many nieces, nephews and friends.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Mike; parents; in-laws, George and Virginia “Jean” Fravala; grandson, Daniel Marstall; and siblings-in-law, Connie and Larry Phillips and Lynn Steffey.
Memorials may be made to the Women’s Care Center, Peoria, IL, supportwomenscarecenter.org, or St. Jude Catholic School, Peoria, IL, stjudecatholic.com/donate-online.
