Frank Stephens

URBANA - Dr. Frank John Stephens, May 17, 1949 – May 4, 2025. It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Dr. Frank John Stephens, a devoted husband, father, grandfather and pediatrician, who passed away peacefully on May 4, 2025, in Carol Stream.

Frank was born on May 17, 1949, in Woodstock, to Lorraine F. and Burton D. Stephens. He was raised in Woodstock, where he developed his strong sense of justice, his love for learning, and a deep respect for nature - all values that shaped the way he lived and served others.

He graduated from MacMurray College and earned his medical degree from the University of Illinois College of Medicine at Chicago. For over 44 years, he cared for children as a pediatrician, including 37 years at Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana, where he specialized in rheumatological conditions and asthma.

Known for his warmth, integrity and clinical expertise, Frank became a trusted doctor across generations, receiving word-of-mouth referrals from families of all cultures and backgrounds. He approached each patient with compassion and respect, seeing medicine not only as a science, but as an opportunity to express his empathy for others.

Frank's life was rooted in service - through his career in medicine and in the broader community. He believed in doing what was right, standing up for those in need, and using his talents to make the world a better place.

He also had a profound love of the natural world - especially animals, plants and trees - and could often be found outside, taking in the quiet wisdom of nature. An avid reader, Frank spent countless hours immersed in American history, always eager to understand the complexities of the past and how they shaped the present. As one of his favorite books reminds us, "The wisdom of the ages is not about perfection but about acceptance and the joy that comes with recognizing our common humanity." Frank embodied that wisdom - welcoming others with tenderness, embracing imperfection with grace, and offering care rooted in shared understanding.

A lover of music and sports, Frank came of age during the golden era of the Beatles, the Rolling Stones, and Simon & Garfunkel, and carried his admiration for the cultural legends of his generation throughout his life - music that became the soundtrack of his days and a gift he passed down to his children and grandchildren. He was a die-hard Chicago Cubs fan and bled orange and blue for the UI, loyally cheering for the Illini through every (occasionally painful) season.

Frank is survived by his loving wife, Christine Stephens; his children, Jason (Christine) Stephens, Sarah (Christian) Sullivan, Katharine (Ann) Stephens and Daniel (Neil) Stephens; his sister, Laura Stephens; his niece, Elizabeth Stephens; and his grandchildren, Theo Sullivan (18), Lucien Sullivan (16), Eli Sullivan (13), Jacobson Stephens (11), Cooper Stephens (9) and Katharine M. Stephens (3).

He is preceded in death by his parents, Lorraine and Burton D. Stephens and his brother, Burton Douglas Stephens, Jr.

Frank will be remembered for his wisdom, gentleness and unwavering moral clarity. He was a beloved physician, a steady and loving presence to his family, and a quiet force for good in the world.

A celebration of Frank's life will be held on Aug. 10, at The Lake House at Crystal Lake Park in Urbana.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to the Alzheimer's Association or the Urbana Parks Foundation in his honor.

Dr. Frank John Stephens will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all whose lives he touched.