Stephen Crane Obituary

Crane, Major General Stephen Samuel (Ret) adored husband of Marley Crane and Lee Elizabeth Crane, who predeceased him in 1997, died on Tuesday, September 15, he leaves behind his beloved sons, Stephen (Gayle) and Michael, who predeceased him in 2009, and daughter Susan (Brian) Snediker deeply cared stepchildren, Arthur (Nan) Close, Jeffrey (Carolyn) Close, Commander Megan Close, and Elizabeth (Jon) Dierksheide, nine marvelous grandsons, Christopher, Michael, Tommy, Will, Jimmy, and Jack Crane and Brian, John, and Sean Snediker, eight dear step-grandchildren, Captain Garrett (Nancy) Close, Caitlin Close, Jake, and Cody Close and Caroline, Julia, Linnea, and Christian Dierksheide, and step-great-granddaughter, Shannon Close. He graduated from DePaul University where he was not only an outstanding scholar, but an incredible athlete. He was inducted into the DePaul Athletic Hall of Fame in 2008. He became a member of the National Guard, rising through the ranks to become a Major General and the Commander of six thousand National Guard Troops in Illinois. He served in the European Theater during WWII. He was a Knight Grand Cross in the Order of St. Lazarus of Jerusalem. His medals, his honors throughout his life are beyond the pale. His devotion and loyalty to his country, his family and his God will never be forgotten. Add to that smile that could light up not just a room, but the world. He never stopped being, never stopped caring, never stopped working, never stopped loving, never stopped giving. Visitation Friday 11:00 a.m. until time of Funeral Mass 1:00 p.m. at Saints Faith, Hope & Charity Church, 191 Linden St. Winnetka. A private burial will be held on Saturday, at Fort Sheridan Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions to the St. Labre Indian School, Ashland, MT, 59004, would be deeply appreciated. Info: 847-675-1990 or www.donnellanfuneral.com