In Lieu of Flowers

Please contribute stories and condolences to the obituary page as you see fit. You are welcome to upload photos on the website, or upload them to the Google Drive link here: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1jGztGwcDe8d8AotdAHjm2W19r4rOK6ZY.

In Jeff's honor and with the support of San Clemente Men's Golf Club, they will be adding a clock tower outside of the club house for all golfers to reference their start time. This was something Jeff noticed was needed and the club is in support of helping us build one in his memory. If you would like to donate to the memorial fund, please navigate to the GoFundMe page here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/jeffs-memorial-clock-tower-fund .

Obituary

Jeff was born on February 7th, 1961 in Elmhurst, IL. He passed away in Irvine, CA on June 9th, 2023.

Jeff was a loving husband, father, son, brother, uncle, cousin and great friend to many. He grew up in Addison, IL. and developed many friendships and hobbies throughout his time there. Sticking to his mid-west roots, Jeff loved Portillo's hot dogs, Chicago style pizza, and making cheesecakes. Jeff also fell in love with Chicago sports teams, and continued to be a loyal fan throughout the highs and the lows of various seasons. He also played a variety of sports himself, including basketball, softball, and tennis.

After high school, Jeff decided to continue his academic and athletic career by attending and playing tennis at Triton College.

He then attended Arizona State University (ASU). Jeff joined the Phi Gamma Delta Fraternity (the Fiji's) during his time at ASU and developed many life long friendships. This group of guys were like his brothers, and they made great efforts to get together a few times a year.

While in Arizona, Jeff helped open the Phoenician Resort, and soon met and fell in love with his wife, Susan Craytor. Jeff continued working at the Princess Resort until he got accepted into the Air Traffic Control program. After Air Traffic Control training, he was placed in California.

Jeff and Susan got married in the Fall of 1996, and resided in Huntington Beach where they lived a happy life together with their daughter, Sierra, and son, Connor. In 2002, they moved to Irvine, CA to be closer to his mother and family.

Jeff and family continued to live in Irvine while Jeff braved the commute for his air traffic control job. This lead to a ~29 year career including working at Torrance Airport, Long Beach Airport, and finally Los Angeles International Airport, where Jeff retired in 2018.

In Jeff's retirement, he truly embraced the non-working life and focused on many things he loved. He spent countless hours with his family including visiting his kids, traveling with his wife, attending concerts, and playing sports. Jeff also spent numerous hours on the golf course and tennis court, where he developed even more life long friendships. He continued making cheesecakes as a tradition and would deliver them at the holidays. Jeff's gift was nurturing and sustaining relationships that he had made throughout his life. He sincerely loved spending time with friends and family, and was the first person there whenever you needed him. Jeff truly was loved by everyone.

Jeff is survived by his loving wife, Susan Doden, and his two kids, Sierra Doden and Connor Doden. He is also survived by his mother, Barbara Weiner, step mother, Jocelyn Doden, brothers Brent Doden, Scott Doden, and Robert Shutan as well as sisters Tracee Husted, Rebecca Rehmann, Lainee Weiner, and Colleen Galvicius. He was loved by many, including extended family and friends. He will be missed!

Jeff's celebration of life will be held on June 28th at Strawberry Farms Golf Club, in Irvine, CA. The family invites you to attend from 5-8PM, with the tribute ceremony officially starting at 5:30PM. Golf attire is encouraged and spirits and appetizers will be served.

Please contribute stories and condolences to the obituary page as you see fit. You are welcome to upload photos on the website, or upload them to the Google Drive link here: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1jGztGwcDe8d8AotdAHjm2W19r4rOK6ZY .

In Jeff's honor and with the support of San Clemente Men's Golf Club, they will be adding a clock tower outside of the club house for all golfers to reference their start time. This was something Jeff noticed was needed and the club is in support of helping us build one in his memory. If you would like to donate to the memorial fund, please navigate to the GoFundMe page here : https://www.gofundme.com/f/jeffs-memorial-clock-tower-fund .