Stephen Curtis Carlson

Stephen Curtis Carlson, age 70, died September 21, 2021, after a lengthy battle with progressive supranuclear palsy. Steve was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He attended Princeton University where he met his wife, Patricia, and graduated magna cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa in 1973. After graduating from Yale Law School in 1976, Steve built his career in Chicago at Sidley Austin LLP. He practiced there for nearly 40 years, becoming partner in 1983, and was particularly beloved as a mentor to junior associates. While he loved his work, Steve found his greatest joy in his family. He and Patricia settled in Dearborn Park in 1980, where they raised their three daughters. He believed profoundly in fighting for what you believe is right in the face of adversity. He once wrote, "If we can make life better for others, that is really probably all we accomplish and is more than enough. If you have succeeded in making life better for anyone else because you were here, then you have lived a good life." Steve lived a good life. Steve is survived by his wife, Patricia, daughters Elizabeth (Mark) Wolicki, Susan (Robert Demke), and Julie (Matt Nedostup), grandchildren Henry, Ryan, and Audrey Wolicki and Reid Carlson Demke, as well as siblings Melanie (Robert) Day, Sue, and Richard (Martha). Visitation Friday, October 1, 2021 from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the 10:30 a.m. Funeral Mass at Old St. Patrick's Church, 700 W. Adams St., Chicago, IL 60661. Interment Queen of Heaven Cemetery, Hillside, IL. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to support the Other Movement Disorders Research and Programs Fund at Rush University Medical Center. Please send memorial checks, made out to "Rush University Medical Center" to Rush Office of Philanthropy, 28057 Network Place, Chicago, IL 60673-1280 or visit http://rush.convio.net/SCarlson. For further information 312-421-0936 or www.michalikfuneralhome.com.