Stephen Labkon Obituary

Dear Diane, sending warm thoughts and love.
Vlove, Ina Turner Jones

Thinking of you today.....hugs❤

Diane,
Sybil and I learned of Steve's passing from an e-mail by Gary Auslander two (2) days ago. I cannot stop thinking over these past couple of days of the many times in our childhood we were together and shared experiences of just having fun - spending time playing baseball, being together at school and spending time at his home with his father, mother, and brother. First grammer school starting in the 7th grade after I moved from St.Louis having lived with my Aunt and Uncle for 7 years to living with my mother and sister and her 2nd husband in an apartment on Ashland Avenue. Then on to 4 yrs at Sullivan where we shared a locker with Neal Greenfield (lock # 37-14-2 which I inherited after graduation and kept for years)and being in the same homeroom division. Then college where I started at the Pier and Steve was at Northwestern. I used to meet Steve at the library at NU where I would sneak in alongside him and we would study together. Next of course was my marriage to Sybil and Steve was one of my groomsman as you recall. Sybil and I still have pictures of you and Steve at our wedding even though our wedding book is falling apart. Of course, I last saw and spent a good deal of time with Steve at our 41st year reunion on the McDonald Campus.

About two (2) years ago I was at a family wedding in Chicago (Sybil's relatives) and Eddie Whitefield, one of Sybil's first cousins sat at our dinner table and knowing that Steve stood up for me at my wedding (as Eddie and his wife were also at the wedding) informed me that Steve had been ill (Eddie was one of Steve's patients). I had wanted to write Steve after hearing this news but everyday life intervened and good intentions aside the communication never happened. Then when this summer was approaching and nearing my 65th birthday, I mentioned to Sybil that I wanted to send Steve a birthday card acknowledging his impending 65th birthday on June 12th. As boys, we knew each other's birthdays - mine followed less than a month later on July 9th. Good intentions for a second time fell by the wayside and I'm not sure why. Had I followed through I would have said how badly I felt that our friendship over the years ended when we spent the time with each other at the 41st reunion - but even so, looking back, I cherish our togetherness that evening. It was the first time in years that the two of us also were together with Neal Greenfield and we just had a very good time.

Diane, Sybil and I simply cannot fathom the loss of Steve and the profound impact it has and will have on you and your sons. Much to my surprise, Steve's death has also impacted me where Sybil and I both have shed tears for Steve and for you. I say much to my surprise because of all the intervening years we all have been apart and, as a consequence have not shared our family lives together but, nothing, I know in retrospect, can erase the memories of true friendship especially the friends one fashions in childhood.

Our love to you and to your sons.
Sybil and George

Dear Labkon family, I am sorry for your loss. I was a patient of Dr. Labkon's for 25 years. He was such a remarkable person, always displaying confidence, humor, strength and a uniquely high standard of excellence. His special spirit will live on as he touched us all. I am grateful for having known him and consider him to be a true inspiration.

I just learned of Steve Labkons passing. He was my dear dentist for about 15 years. When I needed emergency work he took care of me every time at a seconds notice. The last time we spoke was when I was in for cleaning last December and he looked great. He said he felt good and I thought time was on his side. I really felt Dr. Labkon was a wonderful man and a great doctor and will be impossible to be replaced.
Peace and love to the family!

Dear Diane,
When we walked into the chapel and saw all the people there we thought what a wonderful tribute to Steve.There were so many people we didn't have the chance to talk to you and tell you how sad we felt to hear that Steve lost his battle.
He was so brave and positive about himself, but then again you would never know otherwise. Ask him how he was doing he'd always(with a smile) answer just fine.
He embraced life in his profession as well as private life. Please accept our deepest sympathies.
Jordan and Matthew, even though we never met we feel that we know you. As you were growing up Dad would always talk about your lifes and accomplishements. He was always so proud of both of you.He will be missed by all than knew him.

Dear Diane,

It is midnight and I have just returned from a benefit for the Cancer Wellness Center. A niece of mine just told me about Steve. My God, I had no idea. No idea he had been sick, and certainly no idea that he had passed away. I still see him -- and you -- as young, and doing well, and building this warm, familial practice. I still him -- and you -- and Tom Markey and me -- as these incredibly young marrieds who made Saturday nite dates about four weeks in advance with meals involving canned mushoom soup and all of us playing at being grown ups. I will call you. But want you to know, as all the people who have signed this book have said, that his memory brings a smile as well as recollection of a man with such humanity and grace. And while it is true I haven't seen you guys in years, it is also true that I like the world a bit less after having found out that Steve Labkon is gone. What a good guy. (This is also for Matthew and Jordan, even though I don't really know them.)

Judy Markey

Jordan, Matthew, Diane, my sincere sympathies on your loss. I just returned from vacation and heard about dad. I met dad on a few occasions over the years and heard much about him and his good work from others. He was a great guy and I hope that you will always remember the good times together.

Kind regards, and a special sympathy to you Jordan. I well remember the times we spent together at SFN&R a number of years ago.
Kind Regards, Gerald Newman

To the Labkon Family, I was Dr. Labkon's patient for the past 30 years and will miss him dearly. I always had the utmost trust and confidence in him. He made visits to the dentist something I never feared. He was such a special man that will be remembered with fondness and admiration.

Steve was my dentist for many, many years. He was a wonderful professional and a very kind man. He always seemed genuinely interested in his patients and their lives. I will miss him. My heart goes out to his friends and family.

Diane, Jordy, and Matt,

We have such fond memories of Steve. He was always so wonderful to our son Todd, and treated him like another son. We are forever greatful! Our entire family prays you will be able to seize the great memories, and forever embellish them in your hearts and memories......
Rick and Lois Crelman

Dearest Labkons, words cannot begin to express our sorrow for your loss. I will forever hold the wonderful memories of Dr. Labkon as a friend, dentist and babysitting employer. Thank you for all the wonderful memories our family has because knowing Steve and each of you. We are here if you need anything at all...
Maria, Vince, Brandon & Blake

Mrs. Labkon, Jordan and Mathew, I was very sorry to hear about your dad. So many fond memories of Happy Hollow and our childhood. My family extends its sympathies.

Dear Diane
My heart goes out to you and your sons on this great loss of a husband, father, and Doctor to many. I consider myself blessed to be his patient and be left with a smile that gets noticed by all. My "extreme makeover" was done by the "best" He will remain in our famlies hearts forever. May you all go from strength to strength...

Diane and Family...Even though I do not know you...I went to 7th,8th through 4 years of high school with Steven. The last time I say him was at our 41st reunion...we shared lots of memories and even did a mean jitterbug...I will always remember him with affection!

Be at peace!
Marlene Wald

sUNDAY

Dear Diane and boys--
I am in Boston right now or would be there to say goodbye to one of the most wonderful human beings I have met in my lifetime.

The Torah says all in life is transitory and finite. A beautiful symphony concludes. A book has covers. A painting has a frame. And a rose blossoms for but a brief time. But its scent and beauty remain in our memories forever. In such a way Steve's memory will always be with us.

Please accept my deepest sympathies in this dark moment. Steve fought so hard, but deeper forces were at play here...Adrienne(Bunny) Drell

Dear Diane, Jordan, and Matthew,
I just returned from Steve's funeral, and I am just sick about the loss of such an incredible man.
I have always been most grateful to him for taking the risk and hiring me right out of hygiene school. As a result I learned from the best and have always had high standards because of Steve.
Ever since his illness I have felt so helpless, just wanting to do something to make it better. Please know that my thoughts are with you often and if you ever need anything please don't hesitate to ask.

To the Labkon Family:
I have been a patient of Steve's for many years. I was very saddened when I learned this morning that Steve had lost his long battle. I thought he was doing well when I last saw him at the office. He was always such a warm and positive guy. He was always so concerned, caring and funny. He always made the time to talk about life.
My deepest condolences. I wish you all strength and the loving memories of a wonderful husband and father.
Sincerely,
Susan Kramer

To Steven's Family,
Steven and I were friends in grammar school and although I haven't seen him in years I was aware of his illness through friends. I am sorry for your loss
and I will continue to think of him
as my first case of puppy love.

Dear Diane, Jordan and Matt,

We were very sad to hear of Steve's passing. Growing up as a child just down the street from you, I have very fond memories of Steve. He will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers go out to each of you.

Even though I have not seen Steve for many years, my first memories of him are etched in my brain on a home made softball field during seventh grade. We spent a short 6 years together sharing sports and other activities and I am so sorry for his loss to his family and close friends.

Fond memories will replace tears..one day.
The pain will be different-just not less...one day.
A wonderful neighbor who became a loved friend...for all days.
Our love and prayers and shared tears to Diane and Sons...on this sad day.
Our friendship, with all of you...for all days.
We are so sorry.
Cindy Sekowski and Rita Orzech
(Lake Geneva, Wisconsin)

DEAR DIANE,
JUST WANTED TO SAY HOW SORRY I WAS TO LEARN OF STEVE'S PASSING.

Steve was so compassionate when our son died. I knew I would always get a big hug when I came to the office, and I needed those hugs.
He will not be forgotten. His spirit will always be with us as we continue to remember his kindness.
Nancy Roach

Dear Diane, Matt & Jordan,
We were so sorry to hear about Steve. We have many fond memories of living next door to you for so many years. Our thoughts are with you.

Diane....Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family....

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Dear Diane, Jordan & Matt,
We are so sorry for the loss you're feeling now. Please know, the memories will never leave.I could not have had a better neighbor, 2nd Dad or employer for babysitting.
All Our Love, Andi, Mike, Connor, Cody & Chase

Dear Diane,
I am so very sorry to hear about Steve. I have not seen you in many years, but remember you both as if it was just yesterday. There are no good words to say. I just wanted you to know that I am thinking of you.
Love,
Ina (Turner) Jones

Dear Diane, Jordan and Matthew,

Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time. Steve will be deeply missed by all who knew him. He was a fine man and leaves behind a wonderful family and many fond memories.
Love,

DEAR DIANE AND FAMILY, OUR DEEPEST SYMPATHY AND PRAYERS ARE BEING SENT YOUR WAY.. DR. LABKON HAD A SMILE AND AN EMBRACE THAT WILL WARM OUR HEARTS FOREVER.. GAIL HIGGINS AND DR. SCHRENZEL PLAZA DEL LAGO VISION CENTER...

Dear Labkon Family;
Janis and I were saddened to hear about the untimely death of Steve. We always enjoyed being with you at various events. The world will be a sadder place with his passing. Our love to Diane.

Eugene and I are so sorry with the loss of Steve. You are a wonderful family and I hope with time you will remember and cherish all the times you had together.
Steve will be missed.
Love, Cheryl Faigus

Diane, Jordan and Matt:
My heart goes out to all of you. I am so sorry to hear about your loss. I have many special memories of Steve from when we were children and as adults. My thoughts are with each of you during this difficult time.

I was a patient of Dr. Labkon's who was brought to see him by my mother Esther Klatz who had been his patient for many years. I was in a bad way and needed to have a lot of extensive work done. Dr. Labkon was very patient and understanding and reassured me on countless occasions that things would get better for me even when I couldn't see the light at the end of the tunnel.

I spent the entire summer or 2002 in Chicago having one thing done after another. He built me a magnificent bridge, and every dentist who has ever seen it has commented on the quality and magnificent workmanship. I used to tell my mother that Dr. Labkon was a hero of mine and would be forever, because thanks to his willingness to take me on and do the necessary work, I was free of pain for the first time in a very long time.

I also happened to love his sense of humor....He and my mother and my aunt had a long history of doing things together so that either my aunt or my mother could pull some holiday prank on each other. On one such occasion, Dr. Labkon sat in the patient's chair and my mom pretended to be the dentist, using my father's power drill as the tool! That picture became part of a Christmas card that my mom and aunt shared back and forth for years. I was quite surprised that Dr. Labkon was always willing to play along with their pranks!

I learned of Dr. Labkon's death last night from my mother. I knew that he had been quite ill and I often asked about him. Lately, I knew that things were not good, but I had no idea how really sick he was. I am sure that he touched many peoples' lives and that he improved the quality of their lives every bit as much he improved mine. I am so thankful every day for what he did for me, and I extend my most profound and heartfelt sympathies to his entire family. He is someone I will never forget!

Dear Diane, Jordan and Matthew,

During the celebration of the 10th Anniversary of the Geneva National Golf Club, I recall Steve sharing a treasured moment in his life: playing one hole with Gary Player during the dedication of the Player course on a very special day...June 12, 2000 ~ Steves birthday.

Thank you for the memories dear friend...we will greatly miss you.

Stephen was our family's dentist since 1971, but also became our friend. We are so sad that HIS smile is now lost to us all. Our entire family grieve his passing as a friend more than anything.

Our deepest sympathy to Diane, Jordan & Matthew. Steve was terrific person and friend. He will truly be missed.

Dear Ms. Labkon, Jordan, Matt
I am sorry to hear about the loss you just had. My heart goes out to you and your family. I just wanted you all to know that I am thinking of you at this time. Again I am sorry for you loss. Take Care ! Tracy Engel

Why would he take Stephen at such a young age? There was so much yet that Steve could accomplish. His departure has left a hugh hole. As our neighbor in Steve's Lake Geneva world, he was a big teddy bear to me and our friend. He will be so missed by so many. He touched a lot of lives. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family. Love, Bob and Trish Newman

Dear Diane & Family
Annette and I will always remember Steve for his elegance and loving demenor. We will always cherish the happy times we all spent together.
Love
Paul & Annette