Jan Michael Tchoryk was born in Chicago on September 4, 1967. He was the fourth child born to Jan and Olga, who had emigrated from Poland to establish a better life for their family.

He had three older sisters, Stephania, Maria, and Ewa, and later a younger brother, Taras.

Like other boys in his age group, he attended grade school where he learned basic skills and got into general mischief with other boys and girls. After grade school, Jan attended and graduated from Carl Schurz High School.

Throughout his grade school and high school years, Jan was a member of the Ukrainian American Youth Association.

Jan’s father encouraged him to join the military to learn new skills. Jan chose to join the U.S. Navy and served from 1989 until 1993 during Operation Desert Storm.

After his military service, Jan held a few positions in the civilian world until his acceptance in the Chicago Fire Department.

Jan was the father of four children, Jacqueline, Dylan, Grace, and Olivia, and stepfather to Olena.

During his time of service. Jan took part in various Chicago Fire Department trainings and schools to advance through the ranks. He achieved the rank of paramedic and lieutenant of Ladder Company 10, where he proudly served until his passing in the line of duty while leading a crew in a firefight on April 5, 2023.

Jan met the love of his life, who awoke his spirit, Natalia Kavkun, in September of 2018. They were joined in the Holy Sacrament of Matrimony in January 2020. They lovingly spent the last three years together and were actively planning the rest of their lives at the time of his passing.

During recent years, Jan was member of a brotherhood at St. Joseph Ukrainian Catholic Church in Chicago, where he volunteered with many fundraising functions in support of the Ukrainian Army in its ongoing war against Russia.

Jan lived and loved his life to the fullest and in service to others before himself. His personality and humor were infectious and helped many others out of bad emotional and physical times. He will be sorely missed.

Last call 5 April 2023.