Legal expert on worker's compensation issues
By Joan Giangrasse Kates | Special to the Tribune
May 13, 2008
After World War II, Douglas F. Stevenson became part of a team that hunted Nazis in Germany, helping recover documents that had once belonged to Adolf Hitler. After his military service, Mr. Stevenson became a legal expert on worker's compensation.
A retired Chicago attorney, Mr. Stevenson, 86, of Lisle, formerly of Medinah, died of a pulmonary embolism Tuesday, April 15, in Edward Hospital in Naperville.
For nearly five decades, Mr. Stevenson represented hundreds of businesses in legal matters concerning worker's compensation. During the 1980s and '90s, he also served as the executive director of the then-Chicago-based National Council of Self-Insurers and as a trustee of the National Foundation for Unemployment Compensation and Workers' Compensation in Washington.
"He worked hard for many years ensuring a fair worker's compensation system," said Larry Holt, executive director of the National Council of Self-Insurers, now based in New Providence, N.J. "His No. 1 priority was always making sure that workers got paid quickly and received proper medical care."
Born in Pulaski, Tenn., Mr. Stevenson grew up in Evansville, Ind. An Eagle Scout and DePauw University graduate, he enlisted in the military and joined a Counter Intelligence Corps team sent to post-World War II Germany.
"He spoke fluent German, which made it easier for him to track down Nazis trying to hide by blending into society after the war ended," said his daughter Lisa Boyce.
While serving with the corps in Germany, Mr. Stevenson was part of a team that recovered the will and marriage license of Hitler, family members said.
"The documents were found in a suitcase of one of Hitler's former aides and are now part of our national archives," Boyce said.
After returning to civilian life, Mr. Stevenson received a law degree from Harvard University in 1949, and that year began working for the Chicago law firm of Rooks, Pitt and Poust, where he specialized in worker's compensation.
In 1984, Mr. Stevenson became a partner in the law firm of Stevenson, Rusin & Friedman in Chicago, where he remained until being appointed to the Industrial Commission of Illinois in the 1990s.
Mr. Stevenson also served as chairman of the Illinois Joint Employers Legislation Committee. He was appointed to the Illinois Crime Commission and served as a director of the Better Government Association of Chicago, including a term as its president.
"He was at the time one of the leading experts on worker's compensation in the state," said Elizabeth Selmier, Mr. Stevenson's secretary for more than 25 years. "If you were ever in trouble, you'd hope he was in your corner."
In his retirement, Mr. Stevenson taught continuing education courses at the College of DuPage in Glen Ellyn. He also led current events discussion groups and religious meetings at The Devonshire retirement community, where he lived.
"He was very much of his generation," Boyce said. "He was a stoic man, yet very friendly, kind and gentle."
Other survivors include two sons, Andrew Crider and Michael Crider; two other daughters, Linda Stevenson and Deborah Sabino; 10 grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren.
Memorial services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday in the meeting room of The Devonshire, 1700 Robin Lane, Lisle.
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