Frank E. Tejan Jr.

Frank E. Tejan Jr. passed away at the age of 87 on September 17th, 2026 after a long and interesting life filled with love, adventure, and service.

Frank was born on January 24, 1939 in Pittsburgh, PA. He was the eldest son of the late Frank E. Tejan and Betty Tejan (née Unger). He and his brother Richard spent their younger years helping with their father’s coal company, Tejan Coal and Supply.

Frank completed his undergraduate degree in biology at Kent State University and The Johns Hopkins University. It was his dream to join the Marine Corps and he enlisted immediately after college graduation. He went on to proudly serve in the Marine Corps Reserves for 28 years, attaining the rank of Master Gunnery Sergeant. He was in a helicopter squadron and specialized in Soviet aircraft recognition.

While simultaneously serving in the Marine Corps Reserves, he began his first job for the Food and Drug Administration as a health inspector. He then moved to Chicago, IL and began work as an undercover agent for the department of alcohol and dangerous drugs (now known as the DEA). Frank took some amazing self-portraits in various undercover disguises during this time. He traveled all around the Chicago area to investigate drug trafficking and execute large-scale arrest operations. He was present and working undercover at the 1968 Democratic National Convention held in Chicago.

When asked to make a job transfer to New York City, he declined because he loved living in Chicago. He began a new career as a firefighter for the city of Park Ridge, IL where he served for over 20 years. That serendipitous choice to stay in Chicago led him to meet his wife, Karen, who visited his fire station with her nursing school class. Karen and Frank were married in 1981. They designed and built their dream home together in Kildeer, IL where they have continued to live for almost 40 years. After already leading an incredibly full and fascinating life, Frank became a father to Alexandra in 1990. Watching her grow up was the highlight of his life. He was extremely proud that she inherited his love of travel, adventure, learning, and serving the community. Frank was thrilled to attend Alexandra’s wedding to Carlo in Florence, Italy two years ago.

Frank’s mind was truly something special; he valued education, lifelong learning, and was eternally curious. He was incredibly smart, had a photographic memory, and could recite historical facts as if reading from a textbook. He was famous for reading every single sign while visiting museums. He was endlessly classy, sported an incredible wardrobe, and was never without a matching pen and pocket knife. He was a fine-dining enthusiast and especially enjoyed French cuisine.

Frank fell in love with Lake Michigan after moving to Chicago and learned to sail, later buying his own sailboat, the Aquarius, which was docked in Burnham Harbor. He was never without a camera around his neck and had his own photography lab in his basement. He loved his country and took tremendous pride in remaining politically active and aware. He generously donated to many causes he was passionate about: environmental conservation, protection of voting rights, historical preservation, and providing access to education for all.

Though he filled his time with many hobbies, traveling the world with his family was his greatest joy. He and Karen had a special love for Hawaii where they returned at least a dozen times. Their favorite way to see the world was on board a cruise ship and they sailed all around the US, Mexico, Canada, and Europe, even making a transatlantic voyage from New York to England. Just a few weeks prior to his passing, he was doing what he loved most: exploring the Canadian Rockies with his family.

He lived life on his own terms and there was truly no one like him. His sharp intellect, adventurous spirit, honorable character, and steadfast love will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

Frank is survived by his wife of 45 years Karen Tejan (née Klasen), his daughter Alexandra Carani (Carlo), and his brother Richard Tejan.

A visitation and funeral service will be held on Saturday, September 26th, 2026 at Nelson Funeral Home, 820 Talcott Road in Park Ridge, IL. Visitation will take place from 11:00 a.m., until the time of service, which is tentative currently (please check back for an update).

Interment will be held privately at Mount Royal Cemetery in Pittsburgh, PA.

In Frank’s honor, please consider making a donation to the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation: (CLICK HERE TO DONATE ONLINE)

For information, 847-823-5122.