Obituary
Dr. Steven E. Suson, born December 18, 1956, who spent his early years growing up in Highland Park and then in Barrington Hills, passed away September 3, 2020 at age 63 from complications of a brain tumor first diagnosed in 1997. Originally told by doctors that he had just one year to live, Steven beat all the odds and was the longest surviving brain tumor patient ever seen at Northwestern Hospital, living 23 years after his diagnosis.
Steve was the son of the late Morris Suson, a prominent Chicago area real estate developer, and the late Sharon Suson, co-Founder of Wedding Belles of Barrington Illinois. Steven was the eldest of five siblings: David Suson of Texas, Leslie Suson of Georgia, Jodi Suson of Illinois, and Gary Marlon Suson of New York.
Steven was the proud and loving father to his beautiful daughter Brittany, a teacher in the Chicago area. Steven also loved his niece and nephews very much — Jordan Suson-Mrak (age 19), Joshua Suson-Mrak (age 22), Brian Suson (age 25), and Mitchel Suson (age 27)—who all put a smile on his face and brought him great joy. Steven loved his cousins Nanette Machleit, Robert Aye, and Randy Aye very much, and his late Aunt Dee always made him laugh. Steven loved dogs to no end and always reminisced about his childhood dogs, Duke and Waldo.
Steven graduated from Barrington High School, went to Arizona State University and while running his own gym “Body Max” in Chicago — received his Doctorate of Chiropractic at National College in Lombard, Illinois.
Steven was a talented and compassionate Chiropractor who had a successful practice on Chicago’s Gold Coast for many years. Steve cared for and treated many patients, including players on the Chicago Bears and Chicago Cubs, and even actor Bruce Willis when he was in town filming. He also was a huge Arnold Schwarzenegger fan and saw all of his movies multiple times. In addition to being an amazing Chiropractor, Steve was a Landmark Education Graduate and SELP Leader and he is remembered by many for his leadership skills and for supporting others in their personal leadership growth.
Steven was an avid sports fan. He most loved watching Michael Jordan’s Bulls but was also a devoted Chicago Blackhawks fan. Steve was a great athlete and loved bodybuilding, swimming and running. Steve, whose father Morris Suson built Blue Ribbon Stables in Northbrook, was an accomplished equestrian as a teenager, and especially loved western riding competitions such as barrel racing and horse reining. Steven was partial to his Chicago eateries — he loved Portillo’s Italian Beef and their chocolate cake, Walker’s Baked Apple Pancakes and Lou Malnati’s Pizza.
Steve fought through all his adversities and challenges with his signature laugh and magnetic smile, making many friends along the way. Steven never complained about his health issues and misfortunes, choosing instead to stay positive and be happy with what he had. Tough all the way to the end, Steven battled his illness until God called him home on September 3, 2020 at 7:50 pm. He was very loved and will be terribly missed.