Steve "Pickle" Clawson

     Steve “Pickle” Clawson of Lockport, Illinois, died at home October 25, 2024, surrounded by his loving family after surviving 23 months with Glioblastoma, a terminal brain cancer. Steve is survived by his wife of 27 years, Kary, who he still called his beautiful bride, his four children, Steven, Sarah, Saylor, and Sawyer, who were the lights of his life, and his dog Scout, who drove him absolutely crazy. He also leaves behind his father, Bruce (Luann) Clawson, and sisters, Kathy (James) Ray and Kristy (Jeff) Smith. He was a loving brother-in-law and fun uncle to many nieces and nephews. He also leaves behind his life-long best friend, Brad White. He was reunited in Heaven with his mother, Beth Jalene Clawson, sister Karen Clawson, and his adoring father-in-law, Joe Koszela.

     Steve was a proud UPSer and member of the Local 705. He dearly loved his UPS family. He had a strong and dedicated work ethic and always conveyed the importance of that to his children.

     Above all, he loved being a provider and protector. His world revolved around Kary and the kids. He enjoyed spending time with his “little family” and working on home improvement projects to turn their house into a beautiful home. He could fix just about anything. He especially loved planting flowers around the house and growing a garden each year, something he learned from his mom. He never passed up an opportunity to teach the kids how to use tools or work in the yard.

     He loved classic cars, especially his 1951 Ford pickup truck that he restored with his dad and grandfather. He loved Billy Joel, classic rock, country music, and Dr. Pepper. He was a “dad joker” to the core, and a humble, tender-hearted father. Steve was such a sweet and kind soul. The world truly was a better place with him in it. He will be deeply missed. We loved him to death.

     Throughout Steve’s journey he found peace and comfort in the promises of our Heavenly Father. We would like to extend a special thank you to the Northwestern Memorial Hospital Neuro-oncology team at the Lou Malnati Brain Tumor Clinic, and Lightways Hospice for their loving care. Steve generously donated his brain and spinal cord to the research program at Lurie’s Comprehensive Cancer Center. His gift will help doctors better understand why current treatments continue to fail.

     Please join us to celebrate his life on Sunday, November 3rd, from 3 - 7 PM, with a prayer service to follow, at Kurtz Memorial Chapel, 102 E Francis Rd, New Lenox, IL. Feel free to wear your favorite sports team gear, pickle green, or UPS brown. Internment private.

Live streaming of services will be on Sunday November 3, 2024 from 6:00pm until time of service at 7:00pm. https://www.asimplestreaming.com/sclawson