Stephen Samuel Crane

Crane, Stephen Samuel
Major General Stephen Samuel Crane (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 was held Friday, September 18, 2009 at Saints Faith, Hope & Charity Church, Winnetka. A private burial was held on Saturday, Sept. 19 at Fort Sheridan Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions to the St. Labre Indian School, Ashland, Montana, 59004, would be deeply appreciated. Info: (847) 675-1990 or www.donnellanfuneral.com.