Paul Stepan died August 11, 2013 after an 11 year struggle with cancer. He was born July 1, 1943, the 6th in a family of 7 children of Alfred and Mary Louise Stepan of Winnetka, Illinois. He graduated from Loyola Academy in the classical honors course, and co-captained the 1960 championship lightweight basketball team, and the football team. He was an exceptional athlete and ran four marathons. He graduated from Notre Dame in 1965 with a BA in English and Political Science. He graduated from Oxford University (Balliol College) in 1967 with an MA in politics, philosophy and economics, and the University of Chicago in 1970 with a JD. He practiced corporate law and became a Partner at Mayer Brown and Platt in 1978. In 1979 he started his own development firm in Chicago. Harry Caray's and Prairie restaurants were signature developments. For 29 years Paul also served on the Board of Directors of Stepan Company with his brother Quinn CEO. Paul joined the March on Washington on August 28, 1963 to hear Martin Luther King deliver his "I Have a Dream" speech. His commitment to civil rights and social justice spurred his interest in politics. He was the first Finance Chairman for Richard M. Daley in his elections as Cook County State's Attorney and then Mayor of Chicago. In that role, Paul mentored another fundraising talent beginning in politics - now-Mayor Rahm Emanuel. He also helped his lifelong friend Dick Devine succeed in becoming State's Attorney. He married his high school sweetheart and soul mate Ann Ruppe and for forty-eight years they had an unsurpassed marriage and love affair. Family came first for Paul and Ann, and they were crazy about their children, Shannon and Paul, and their grandchildren Kathleen, Emily, Ava and Owen, who fondly called Paul "Hoppi". Paul is survived by his wife Ann, his children Shannon (Jonathan) and Paul (Susan), and four grandchildren, and his siblings Marilee (Richard), Alfred (Nancy), Quinn (Snowy), Stratford (Judy), Charlotte (James) and John (Bonnie). Services will be held on Wednesday, August 14 at Old Saint Patrick's Church at 700 West Adams, Chicago, IL 60661. Visitation will be held at 9AM followed by mass at 10AM.

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Published by Chicago Tribune on Aug. 12, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
for Paul STEPAN

25 Entries

Christopher Brennen

September 7, 2017

I got to know Paul and Ann when they came to Oxford where Paul studied at Balliol College. Prior to that I had stayed at their home in Winnetka during the summer of 1963 and got to know the family - a lovely family. They were very hospitable to me during that visit - even took me to see Arnold Palmer play golf and arranged for me to visit him. Later, in Oxford, I tried to repay that hospitality even tutoring Ann. My deepest condolences to Ann and their children on the passing of a lovely man. Christopher Brennen.
([email protected])

Gayle Trier nee Little

November 4, 2013

Dear Ann, Shannon, JP, and family,
I'm not sure you remember me. I was your babysitter many many years ago. I don't know what compelled me to look you up today via the internet, but I was so very sorry to hear about Paul's passing. I always remember you both as such a great couple. May your wonderful memories get you through these difficult times. I will keep Paul and all of you in my prayers. Take care!

Ann Biersach

October 1, 2013

Ann, Paul, Jr., Shannon, the Stepan Family and all,

Paul died on the American feast day of St. Clare, the Franciscan saint. This was the same day that our Dad, Francis Jerome (Frank) Biersach died in 1995.
Now that the Church has a Jesuit Pope Francis all of us are assured of increased blessings as we continue our
journeys through life.

Bob Biersach, my brother, played football with Paul at Loyola and thought very highly of him as a friend
and a person of great integrity.
Although not as talented as Paul was,
Bob was blessed to have known him as
a friend.

May your faith and family grant you
peace and hope for the future. We send
our love, the greatest good. Sincerely
yours, Ann Biersach

Bill Colson

August 19, 2013

Ann...I just returned from a trip and learned about Paul. My deepest sympathy to you and the family. Paul was a great person and one of the most vibrant I have ever meet.

August 16, 2013

Quinn,

So sorry for your loss. Things do get tougher as the years turn.

Bill & Grier McF

Ben Fishburne

August 16, 2013

Ann and the Stepan Family--some of my fondest memories of Notre Dame are of my late night discussions of big ideas with Paul in Farley Hall and thereafter. Also memorable are the many weekend trips we took back to Chicago for various Loyola Academy sporting events and the overnights at 6 Woodley Road. I will miss him. God bless you all.

Joanie Abbate Freeman

August 14, 2013

Dear Ann so sorry for your loss. Craig Leonard told me and my heart breaks for you and your family. Sending you light love and prayers.
Fondly, Joanie Abbate Freeman. Malibu,CA

Gene & Sherry Schlickman

August 14, 2013

Dear Ann, Gene & I just heard of Paul's passing. We know he is talking now and saying wonderful things about you. May God bless and keep you. Love Gene & Sherry Schlickman

August 14, 2013

paul was a great athlete, scholar and friend;an amazing renaissance man ! patrick kealy

August 14, 2013

Dear Ann,
Our thought and prayers are with you and all of your family today!
God Bless and much Love
Rick and Susie (BAUSER) Wyniemko

larry lennon

August 14, 2013

I first met Paul when I was a new kid in the 4th grade at Saints Faith, Hope, and Charity. Paul was assigned to show me around and his leadership and kindness was quickly apparent. His home was always open to his classmates and his family provided a welcome place to visit and sleep. Although I haven't seen or talked to him for over 50 years, his kindness, talents, determination, and goodness have left a lasting and inspiring memory to me and I am sure to many others. As I read about his loving family and his many life accomplishments, I am sure he is hearing the words "Well done, good and faithful servant." A life well lived. Pax to his family. larry lennon

Dennis Landry

August 13, 2013

Dear Quinn and Family: Sincerest condolences and sympathy. Our heart and prayers go out to you especially knowing what a tough time Paul and family had to endure.
Dennis Landry (ND Class of '59) We are very close to the (John Venegoni) family.

Edward McKenna

August 13, 2013

Dear Ann and family of Paul,
I should never forget the joy of celebrating the wedding of Shannon and Paul that sunny day on Lakefront drive! The merry clan of Stepans surrounding, and I played the violin, and had such a great time. He is at peace after a courageous struggle. I wish I could be at the funeral, but I'm in Seattle hearing the Wagner Ring opera cycle, typical Stepan activity! God be with you all at this difficult time.
Fr Edward McKenna, senior priest, archdiocese of Chicago, Beverly Shores

Helen Sexton Bennett

August 13, 2013

Dear Ann & the entire Stepan Family,
I am deeply saddened over the passing of my cousin, Paul, & will hold him & all of you in my prayers for peace & consolation as you seek comfort from all the remembered joy he gave to his family & friends.

Liz Stiffel

August 13, 2013

Dear Marilee,I so sorry to learn of Paul's death. You and your entire family
have my deepest, and sincerest sympathy.
Love, Liz Stiffel

Jack Callahan

August 13, 2013

Paul was successful at every level: academics, athletics, community and family. He was also a leader in every phase of his life. May he rest in peace.

August 12, 2013

Repose en paix Paul...you were always a very lovely man, and will be missed!

Jim Stanhaus

August 12, 2013

Ann, Shannon and Paul,

Tears come to my eyes as I type this and see that great picture of Paul with his vivacious smile and remember the many great times we had together over the years. I could spend many words expressing my fond memories of Paul, but I will save them for Wednesday when I hope to see you at the visitation and funeral Mass. My prayers are for you because I know that Paul is now in a better place with the Lord.

Janina Schneider-Bertucci

August 12, 2013

So sorry to hear about Mr. Stepan. He was a wonderful father and husband. My heart goes out to them in this difficult time.

Matt Ruppe

August 12, 2013

Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the entire Stepan family. Uncle Paul will surely be missed. In God we trust. Love Matt, Danielle, Nicole, Taylor, Connor (Philly Ruppe's)

Jim Quinn

August 12, 2013

Paul's family will be in our thoughts and prayers.Anyone who knew Paul knew that he would bravely face his illness.
Thanks, Paul, for the life example you set for all who knew you. Jim Quinn and family

Dawn O'Malley

August 12, 2013

It is written in Matthew 5:4 "Blessed are those who mourn for they shall be comforted." May the Stepan family be enfolded in God's grace, God's comfort and God's love. It has been an honor to call you uncle Paul.
My prayers,
Dawn

William Dunlop

August 12, 2013

Ann, Eilleen and I are so sorry for your loss. Paul will be remembered in the Dunlop's prayers. We always enjoyed seeing you and Paul at the family reunions.
Love
Eilleen and Bill Dumlop

Fr. Thomas Nangle, CPD Chaplain (ret)

August 12, 2013

Ann and Shannon and Paul, you had a warm and strong man in your lives, and I'm so sorry that his exceptional life has ended. He lived it well and enriched the human family as he journeyed across the face of the earth. I'll pray for you and your family and friends as you try to get used to the empty spot where Paul used to be.May he know our God's peace and presence now.

August 12, 2013

Dear Stepan Family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and we send our heartfelt sympathies on the loss of Paul. Sincerely,
Mary and Larry Selander

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