Frank M Zellner Jr.

Frank was a beloved son, brother, husband, father, father-in-law, grandfather, and a cherished friend to all who knew him. Born on December 8, 1929, during a winter blizzard in Chicago, Illinois, he was the eldest son of Frank and Violet Zellner. His birth story became family legend, as his parents trekked miles through snow to reach the hospital.

Raised in Morgan Park alongside his brothers, Ronald and David, Frank developed a lifelong love for sports, the outdoors, and the family’s annual fishing trips to the North Woods. He proudly served in the U.S. Navy Reserves, traveling the world for nearly a decade. In his youth, he owned a sailboat docked in downtown Chicago and found great joy sailing the waters of Lake Michigan.

Frank met the love of his life, Marie, in 1956 while working at Albert Pick & Company, the nation’s leading hotel equipment supplier. After changing careers, he joined the Federal Home Loan Bank Board, where he dedicated the remainder of his professional life to public service until his retirement at age 67.

Frank and Marie married in 1959 after three years of courtship. They spent their honeymoon traveling the West Coast, visiting places like Las Vegas and Hollywood. Together, they shared a passion for dancing to big bands until the early hours of the morning and bowled in a league, proudly winning several trophies.

The couple raised six children—five sons and one daughter—enjoying countless family vacations to Wisconsin Dells, Indiana Beach, and other amusement parks. Frank loved fishing, camping, cheering on the Chicago Cubs and Bears, and spending time in nature with his kids. He coached youth baseball, supported Boy Scouts, and served as a trustee for the Lisle Library for six years.

In later years, Frank found joy in morning coffee visits, trips to Deadwood, South Dakota, and spending time with Marie. He delighted in making up silly songs for his grandchildren—his legendary “beer song” being a fan favorite.

A dedicated member of the Morton Arboretum since 1966, Frank found peace in daily visits to its beautiful grounds. He was also a devout Catholic and longtime parishioner of Saint Joan of Arc Church in Lisle. “Bakers Square Wednesdays” became a beloved tradition, one of many that reflected his love of simple pleasures and family connection.

Frank will be remembered most for his unwavering kindness, generous spirit, and deep devotion to his family—especially his wife of 66 wonderful years. He is survived by his beloved wife Marie Zellner; children Michael Zellner, Sharon (David) Buczko, James (Linda) Zellner, Robert Zellner, William Zellner, and Richard (Whitney) Zellner; grandchildren Joseph (Kara) Buczko, Matthew Buczko, Lauren (fiancé Adam Ferrell) Buczko, Alyssa Buczko, Amber Zellner, Lilliana Zellner, Regina Zellner, Felicity Zellner, Richard Zellner Jr., and Olivia Zellner; and siblings David (Donna) Zellner, the late Ronald Zellner, and the late brother-in-law Emil J. Kricka. Family and friends are invited to join in celebrating Frank’s life.

Visitation Monday, June 9, 4:00 P.M. - 8:00 P.M. at Blake-Lamb Funeral Home, 5015 Lincoln Ave, Lisle, IL 60532. A morning visitation will be held Tuesday, June 10, 10:00 A.M. at Blake-Lamb Funeral Home followed by a funeral mass at 11:00 A.M. at St Joan of Arc Catholic Church, 820 Division St, Lisle, IL 60532. Interment to follow at Lisle Cemetery.