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Clarence Close Obituary
Returning to his native state in 1946 after discharge, he earned his undergraduate degree in pre-medicine at Northwestern University. Doctor Close completed medical school at the University of Illinois at Chicago and interned at Cook County Hospital. In 1950, he and Luann Denning were married. Together, they raised five children in Northbrook: Wayne, Kevin, Karen, Brian and Craig. In 1954, Doctor Close established a family medical practice in Northbrook, making house calls, delivering babies, performing surgery and sharpening his skill as an expert diagnostician. He retired in 1993. He found time to serve on the original board of directors for the First National Bank of Northbrook and was elected twice as the Head of Family Practice at Highland Park Hospital. An early "audiophile", Dr. Close traveled across Chicago recording some of the great classical music performers of the area during the 1960s.
He was preceded in death by his beloved Luann after 54 years of marriage and is survived by his five children Wayne, Kevin, Karen, Brian, and Craig; 10 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren, and his companion Patricia Conard who made him happy for the final 12 years of his life.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Clare's memory to the Chicago Botanic Garden, chicagobotanicgarden.org, 1000 Lake Cook Road Glencoe, IL 60022
Plans for a celebration of Clare's life are pending. Those wishing to participate or contribute memories to Clare's Remembrance page please contact [email protected]
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Clarence Close
2 Entries
Ann Cummings Phillips
May 25, 2021
Just seeing this obituary now. Something made me think of your Dad after all these years...i loved your Dad and kept on touch with him though his 80´s. I wanted you all to know how much your Dad meant to our family though the years! We were a family of 6 children and your Dad delivered me as the first baby born in Lake County in 1965. He laminated the news press and had it ready for me at each physical:) More importantly, he was a stable influence for our entire family throughout our family life. He came for house calls when we were really sick including when I had the German measles and he was always there for our family especially after my father died early at age 50. My Mother counted on him for advise through anxiety and we as family knew we could rely on his loving care. Anyhow, just want you all to know how much he meant to all of us!
Much love,
The Cummings family
Doug Greig
August 15, 2019
I'm very sorry to hear this. I remember lots of very fun times in his glider trying to catch thermals over the corn fields of Illinois. I wish him clear skies, strong lift, and a wonderful soar.
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