Steve Clarke's Story
Boxing Round
by Paul Penticuff
Update: May 2020
I don't like stories where the hero dies. They chafe against my sense of justice. They make me ask questions that have no answers. But then, I think, if everyone dies, so do heroes. Normal people, good and bad people, exceptional and old people and even those who love hard and were loved back even harder... they face the same end. Or do they?
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My friend Steve was stabbed in the back by a knife called "cancer". It tried to kill him quick. It couldn't. It tried to take his dignity. But he wouldn't let it (the secret? He never took himself too seriously). It tried to destroy his spirit. Nope. It tried to hide his love. Instead, it exposed it. It tried to stifle his laugh. Not even close. It tried to dishearten his friends. To the contrary, Stevie inspired them. It tried to make him quit, but he just left it all on the field like a champion.
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If this was a boxing round, Steve lost. But damn he lost beautifully. Every punch he took, he took bravely. Every time he slipped and ducked and gained a few more days on this earth, he grinned across the ring. Every single time he mustered the energy for another drink with his friends, stuck a jab in the eye of his opponent. Every meal with the love of his life was a power shot that sent the enemy reeling... backing away and giving them respite. And by passing to the next life, he's standing up, no more cuts, no more swelling... he's standing in the corner just smirking that goofy smile of his. Because eternity isn't one round. So while the foe that won the last round remains seated; defeated on the stool in the corner, Steve is standing, ready for what's next.
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I'm gonna miss him. But Heaven just got a little more interesting
Steve Clarke Obituary
Steven Robert Clarke, 58, of Pleasant Hill, MO passed away with his family by his side on April 6, 2021, following his heroic battle with Glioblastoma (brain cancer).
Steve was born on November 29, 1962 in Hampton, VA. He attended school at Daniel J. Gross High School in Omaha, NE. He graduated from Creighton University in 1986 with a BA in Business Administration/Marketing. His career in business focused primarily on managed healthcare services. Steve was devoted, loving husband and father to his wife and sons. Full of energy he enjoyed softball, marathons, and golfing with his buddies. He was a huge sports fan, forever devoted to his beloved NE Huskers and Creighton Bluejays. He loved hosting gatherings and thoroughly enjoyed cooking; his family deemed him chef an grill master. Steve was high energy, light-hearted and a quick0-witted jokester. Most importantly, Steve had a strong faith in Jesus and was an active member in "Beer N Bible" where his relationship with the Lord grew.
Steve is preceded in death by his father, Lt. Col. George Robert Clarke, paternal grandparents Jack and Edna Clarke, maternal grandparents Edward and Phyllis Fox, aunts Joy Hedgepath and Arlene Kutz. He is survived by his wife, Suzanne Forester Clarke, children: Ben Clarke (Kylie) and Daniel Clarke; Mother, Sue F. Clarke; siblings: Lori Mosimann (Jim) and Edward Clarke; Brother-in-Law, Herschel Forester and Sister-in-law, Cindy Forester. Nephews: Jim Mosimann (Holly), Jack Mosimann, Chris Forester, Josh Forester, Stephen Forester and Jon Forester, Uncle: Rick Kutz and several cousins. Celebration of life service will be held at Eagle Creek Church, 125 SE Stuart Rd, Lee's Summit, MO, on Saturday, May 1, 2021. Memorial service will be at 11:00am with visitation to follow. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Head for the Cure Foundation (headforthecure.org). The family would like to thank KC Hospice and their caring staff. Special thanks to Kim, Steve's hospice nurse who demonstrated great love and compassion to all.
Steve Clarke by Lori Mosimann
Update: March 16, 2021
Have you ever had the privilege of knowing a guy that brings the best (and corniest) humor to your life? That guy for us is Steve - father of two terrific young men Ben and Dan, father-in-law to sweet Kylie, husband to Suzanne - always laughing and grateful for his humor and attitude toward life; he is son, brother, brother-in-law, uncle, cousin and friend to countless. However, Steve's humor was tested when he was diagnosed with a Grade 4 Glioblastoma in February, 2020. At least 90% of the tumor was removed in February at UCSF. Steve completed chemo and radiation after surgery; has done maintenance chemo as well as therapy to include speech, occupational and physical therapies at Ability KC in Kansas City, MO. He is currently being cared for by his wife Suzanne and enjoys time spent with his family and friends. Despite setbacks of bouncing critical labs, blood clots, a stroke, and current Covid times we all navigate, Steve continues to fight with humor. His family, friends, and medical team still laugh (groan?) at his jokes. Steve sports a Superman costume for special events (maybe its not a costume!). He is an incredible and selfless inspiration to his family and friends. Steve meets each day with faith, positivity and hope. He and his wife never stop exploring new and helpful research possibilities. Steve IS: Courage, Determination, Faith, Grace, and Love. He is our comedian. He is our Role Model. He is our Superman.