Frank Peter Schiller

Frank Schiller loved to share the story of his life, which had all the elements of a classic Hollywood drama, including adventure, suspense, action, and a happy ending. Although Frank was born in Canada in 1931, he and his family were stuck in Europe while visiting in the days immediately preceding World War II. They witnessed the atrocities of war. They suffered. And they persevered. Briefly, Frank and his siblings were separated from their parents and cared for by a husband-and-wife couple they did not know. Frank loved to recount this experience, especially his efforts to win over his new caretakers. The wife had loved him immediately while the husband was indifferent to children. To win his affection, a young Frank taught himself to roll cigarettes so well as to impress the man and win a place in his heart. Frank and his family were eventually reunited, but he always treasured the care and kindness shown to him by these strangers. He also learned the life-long value of teaching yourself to succeed. Decades later, an old man himself, Frank returned to the small European village where the couple had lived and tearfully reunited with the wife.

As a young man, Frank immigrated to the United States and made a life in Chicago, Illinois. He learned bricklaying and stone masonry, eventually achieving master status in each and cultivating a lifelong passion for craftsmanship. Frank’s commitment to his trade, built brick by brick, embedded his legacy in the very fabric of Chicago.

One of Frank’s proudest achievements was his participation in the 1982 Chicago Marathon at 51 years old. While Frank found his love of running relatively late in life, he attributed his long-life and good physical health to this pursuit. As he approached 90, Frank provided anyone who crossed his path with an explanation of how running can add 15-20 years to their lives – no matter when they start.

Frank and his wife Joanne were seasoned world travelers as well as members of the American Karneval Society. Although Frank lived in multiple countries during his youth and was always grateful for his American Dream, he particularly cherished his German heritage and was quick to teach anyone how to schuhplattler.

At the age of 93, Frank adopted a cat named Cowy. The two became best friends and enjoyed a special bond.

Frank Schiller shared myriad stories – well earned from a life of adventure and endurance. He will be remembered as a hardworking, skilled tradesman, loving husband and father, Holzhacker, traveler, and friend. He will be remembered for his advice, his enthusiasm and passion for taking on new interests, and his devotion to pushing his own limits. At 94, Frank ended life’s final marathon. His story will be cherished by his sons Hans (Betty), Franz (Dawn), and Fritz (Arlene) as well as his beloved stepdaughter Sherri (Steve), and granddaughters Nicole (Will), Katie (Peter John), and Dawn (David).

Frank's Entombment will take place on Friday, January 24th at 12PM. At Sunland Cemetery Lakeside Mausoleum.