Christian Streuli Obituary

I knew you at 8, 9 and 10 and we had the best times doing what kids do. So sad and sorry to hear you are no longer here with us. It sounds like you had an amazing life!

Dear Streuli Family,

I grew up with Chris in Bronxville since the 4th grade and always had an incredible admiration and respect for him as a real and trustworthy person/friend. One of my favorite Chris memories that stands out was when he wore a large pokka dotted bowtie to our first prom and didn't care at all what anyone thought!! However, what I will always remember MOST about Chris that set him apart from everyone else, was his childlike innocense,which most of us tend to lose along the way - not Chris! He was completely genuine, sweet, and had a smile that could light up any room he ever entered..... I am sure that his special spirit will live on through his children.

Terri, my prayers and thoughts are with you and your whole family during this difficult time, God Bless you all.

Cynthia Cox Robbins

Dear Terri and children,
I am so terribly sorry for the tragic loss of your beloved husband and father. I share your grief. I will always remember Chris for his warm friendliness and gentle soul. He was a wonderful man.
Chris Cilio

I echo Betsy Huber's condolences. I grew up on Sturgis Road and watched (and played with) Chris and Greg Faselt for many years.

It's hard to make any sense of all of this...impossible actually, but it puts perspective into our lives that every day should be lived fully, kindly and respectfully. And from reading about Chris, this is how he lived his life.

Terri and family, know that many thoughts and prayers are with you.

The entire Petite family sends love.

Anna Petite Lee

To Nick,

Very sorry to hear of the sudden loss of your younger brother. Sounds like he enjoyed life as much as you. We hope to see you back to your normal self as soon as you can, and back on the softball diamond befuddling the other team with your unconventional play. Condolences also to Diane and Terri. Regards, Maree & Declan Hoban, Perth, Australia (via SF Ca)

To the entire Streuli Family,

What a terrible loss....his smile is a strong memory from the high school days in Bronxville. He was close to the Faselt family - and that is the way I will always remember him - hanging out with Greg on Sturgis Road. They are together again...It has been a long time...but we take the good memories with us. My since condolences to Mich (Tufts classmate) and all who were touched by his spirit.

On behalf of my dear brother Chris and his immediate family, I would like to thank you all for coming today. Many of you have travelled very far to be here and be with us share our grief in a warm and personal way. Your presence is an affirmation of your love for Chris and the family so dear to him. Chris loved you all as you love and remember him today. Chris's love for family and friends was always genuine and directly from his big heart.

I can not speak for how Chris touched each one of you personally. You all have your private memories which will stay with you forever. For me, I will always remember my younger brother as a man with a great big heart and a welcoming smile for all. Chris's greatest strength for me was his ability to tell me that he loved me. What genuine words from someone who was not always treated nicely by his older brother, especially while growing up together. As is so characteristic of Chris, he forgave me all and we got closer as we grew in to adulthood. My last memories of Chris are of our time together this past summer at the lake. We were surrounded by our kids and playing all the time. We went tubing, skinny dipping and dancing, the memories will stay with me forever.

Chris was a guy who always had time for everyone and just wanted to make people happy. Being happy and enjoying life was a defining part of my brother. Chris was also one of the most loyal people you could ever meet. If you had to go in to battler, there is no one better to have on you side than my brother Chris. You know that Chris would protect your flank, Chris never let anyone down.

For me, a defining trait was that Chris always had a positive attitude, especially for that precious thing we call life. Like me, Chris had a special affection for the outdoors. He loved the simple beauty of a tranquil sunset, a fresh snowfall, and the smell of pure air and tranquility. Through his passion for skiing he was able to be in it fully, and experience the rush of adrenaline from riding close to the edge. He was certainly of the motto.......... "go hard or go home." Chris embraced life and all that it has to offer. My brother could really smell the roses and appreciate the simple joys. Chris knew that life was precious, and it is not forever...you only get one go.

But living life to the fullest was not necessarily a selfish act for Chris. Chris took time and made the effort to jump through the hoops of getting an education so that he could get a good job and provide for a family. Chris always wanted to have a family and be a good family man, and so he was. To Chris, family always came first, there was nothing to hard for his wife and kids.

Unfortunately Chris was ripped from his family and friends by an act as incomprehensible and random as a bolt of lightening. No words can describe the surreal nature of what happened.

To you Terri, Allison, Chris and Caroline, I affirm that my brother Mich and my dear mother will always be there for you as you are our flesh and blood.

Let us now celebrate Chris's life by moving on to live our own precious lives and never forget all the love that he has given to us. As Chris is looking upon us now, he wants us to stop the tears and raise a toast.

To you Chris

I love you bro..and will miss you forever.

Dear Huguette and the Streuli family,

I met Chris only one time, in Huguette's office. He was quite jolly at that particular moment, and that is the picture I have of him in my mind's eye.

There just are not any words to write or say capable of comforting any of you, least of all, my friend Huguette. I still struggle to comprehend, but there is no "why" to reach toward.

This outpouring I see of loving tribute after tribute for him, bearing witness to an original and shining soul, tell the real story, though. How very well Chris must have lived his too-short life that he touched so many others with warmth and loving kindness. This is the treasure, and the comfort he himself left behind. No mere pen can wring anything more beautiful than that, even from heaven.

Love,

Helen

Terri,
My condolences from me and the entire Grundvig family--good old Locust Lane, the Field Club and Bronxville H.S.

In childhood, when I knew him best, he was a kind, wonderful young man, active and had many close and invaluable friends in his class. I graduated 1 year before him in 1978.

Hopefully he left a lot of his personality and caring and zeal for life in his children. I'm sure he did.

Kind regards,

Jamie Grundvig

Dear Streuli Family, We knew Chris from the time he was 5 years old and was a good friend of our Chris, who was a year younger. When his parents took a trip, he stayed with us, and the same applied when we traveled. He was always a kind, courteous and friendly boy (man), and fortunately, he never changed. Our deepest sympathies with each of you.

Chers Huguette, Nick, Mich, Dear Therese, Allison, Christian et Caroline, bouleversés par la terrible nouvelle, nous voulons vous dire combien nous pensons à vous dans ces moments si douleureux et nous espérons que ces quelques mots puissent atténuer quelque peu votre immense souffrance. We cannot express how sorry we feel for your loss of your beloved husband and daddy and we keep you all deep in our thoughts and prayers. Bien à vous, Michèle et Benoit - Annick et Frédéric

Chris was one of my oldest brother's best friends and I remember him vividly as a very fun and sweet young man. I am really sorry for your loss.

Dear Terri,

My deepest condolences to you and your family. May you cherish the memories and gain strength from each other, one day at a time.

Chris: To me you were both a gentle man and a gentleman. Whenever we gather, I will always be looking for your smiling face.
Miss you...

Chris It has been my pleasure knowing you the past 15 years
I will miss Sking with you but will miss mostly you kind nature and sense of humor.Our prayers go out to your family during this difficult time.

Streuli Family-

Chris was my rep- and one that I truly, truly enjoyed working with. He was such a great person- always friendly, always smiling. He even went out of his way once and sent me "The Sound of Music" on dvd because he was so shocked I had never seen it. He would always go that extra mile for all of us here at bvk advertising. He often spoke about his family and seemed to be a truly great husband and father.

I was very sad to hear about Chris. Please know that our prayers and thoughts are with you during this hard time...God Bless!!!

Terri ,
We were deeply saddened to hear of the loss of Chris . He was truly a wonderful guy and brought great joy to anyone who met him . Lizzy and I saw Chris in Chicago around 1988 when we were first married and ,of course , recognized his smiling face right away .

Chris and I both went to the Bronxville School and played Baseball together and he was truly one of the great guys .

While I haven't spoken to Chris in years ,our thoughts and prayers are with you and your Family .

With Sympathy,

I will miss you Chris. I enjoyed working with you at Adeszko Media Sales. Your love for life will never be forgotten. Cheryl Solomon (Arlington Heights, IL)

Teri,
My heart goes out to you and your children. I have known you since 2nd grade and enjoyed getting to know Chris for several years. He brought so much joy and happiness to your life. Even though I have been living in California for the past 22 years and now Hawaii, I am still here for you always. Chris was a wonderful man and will truly be missed.

Terry,

our hearts go out to you and your children. Chris was a special friend in my life and will never be forgotten. May God bless you and ease your pain in your loss.

Glenn Bell and Family

Terri,
I met you at the pool in Elmhurst 12 plus years ago. Allison introduced herself to my daughters by asking for cheese curls. From that point on we would talk at the pool.
You and Christian have always been the type of people that friendliness came so naturally.
I still remeber the birthday party we shared at your house on Hillside.
You had a wonderful husband that was always friendly and always stopped to say hello. Christian and Rocky shared train rides to work years ago.Christian will be missed by so many people. My family is praying for you and thinking about you. I am glad we met you at the pool so long ago. We love you and will keep you in our thoughts and prayers.
The Zaiters. Rocky, Mary, Amy,Rebecca, and Adam

Dear Terri, Allison, Christian, and Caroline, always remember how much he loved and cherished each one of you. May his memory be eternal. Deepest sympathies, Andriani, Harry, Amalia, Katerina, and Artemis Siavelis

As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life’s routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.

I was so sorry to hear of your loss. Please let me know if there is anything I can do to help at this time.

Dear Terri,

I moved to Switzerland last year. From time to time I found myself wondering about Chris. Where was his family from, where did he ski, did he still come to visit. I wondered how his life had turned out. Now so sadly I know. The wonderful boy I met in school, the kind, funny, big-hearted, cute, athletic boy, grew up to be a wonderful man who loved his family very much and touched all those around him. Please know that you and your children are very much in my thoughts and prayers.

God bless you,

Terri, Alison, Christian and Carolyn,
We are deeply saddened and grieve your loss. Chris was a wonderful, caring and fun-loving person. It was an honor to know him as our friend. Our prayers are with all of you.
Your friends,

Dear Terri,

You know you are and have been one of my favorites. I have been down a similar road myself, and will share with you whatever my experiences can do to help you in the next months. Love and more love to you and your family.

Dear Terri,
While all who loved Chris are not with you physically, please know that we are with you in spirit as you celebrate a wonderful,one-of-a-kind man. I knew Chris as a phenomenal boy; we were in K-12 together. His spirit, kind heart, generosity and gorgeous smile will not be forgotten. Chris will live on in all our hearts forever.

To Chris, family was something very special and I was lucky enough to be his sister-in-law. I loved him like my younger brother. Over the years we shared good, special times together, despite the many miles that separate our families. And when we did get together, they were happy, fun occasions. Chris was a loyal, bighearted, fun loving guy and for me, someone I always could count on if needed. Years ago when Chris was fresh out of college he told me he would "only ever marry the once" and his wish was granted when he found his life partner, Terri. Three beautiful kids in Allison, Christian and Caroline, followed. How Chris loved his family and being a Dad. To Allison, Christian and Caroline - "Your Dad was a good man and his love lives on within each of you. He will always be a part of you."

Terri, Allison, Christian and Caroline, I grieve with you. I am so glad we celebrated our family reunion last August. the beers, the fun days on the boat, the fireworks, pizza at the pier and my first and last game of golf with Chris. I will also remember what a good, decent, loyal person Chris was. And I shall miss him. I shall miss his big, happy grin and how welcome he always made me feel.

We have lost what heaven has gained.
From our eyes we can wipe the tears
But in our hearts the ache will forever remain!
Rest in peace, Chris.

My deepest sympathies on the loss of your father and husband. While I did not know him, reading the entries on this site are so heartfelt that I regret not having the opportunity. I only worked at Hawthorne School for a short time, but I feel fortunate to have worked with wonderful families such as yours.
My sincere condolences on your tragic loss.
Mrs. Cassidy

Chris will always live in our memory as the sweetest guy we've ever known. May he rest in peace...

We are keeping your entire family in our thoughts and prayers. Know that Chris will be a part of you always and the memories will stay alive. Everyone at Hawthorne and Brownies is here to support the Steuli family.

Sincerely,
Michelle, Brett, Alyssa, Abby and Alexis Garelli

I am so sorry Terri for what has happened. I will continue to keep you and your children in my prayers.

Dear Huguette and family,
My prayers are with you all.

Jill Grosman

Terri, Kids and Family,
So saddened to hear the news about Chris. We worked together for a short time at USA TODAY, and I really enjoyed his spirit and enthusiasm toward work and life. God bless him and you all, and our prayers are with you.

I was deeply saddened to hear the news. Chris was one of my reps at the Tribune. He called me his MAINE gal as I am located in the state of Maine. His sense of humor was awesome. I was blessed to have had the chance to work with him. Please know that I will be praying for you.

Ter, Can't tell you how bad I felt when I heard the news. I'm so sorry. My heart goes out to you. You're in my thougts and prayers. Tom

Terry, Allison, Christian, and Caroline,

My prayers are with you. Chris was the light of our group of merry pranksters and classmates at the University of Colorado. On behalf of Dave Cohen, Josh Putterman, Peter DJ, Andy Berger, and the many others, our memories of Chris are understatedly fond. Chris's lust for life will never be forgotten. The nicest friend you'd ever have. I miss the times in New York, Chicago, and other places like the visit to the Benziger family's little vineyard in California tasting their very first release and Chris telling them it wasn't too bad for a first release! Legendary man and the most remarkable smile I ever known.

Chris was such a great professional. I truly enjoyed working with him. We had an instant camaraderie, and shared many a good time together at industlry events and with clients.

My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.

Sincerely,

Ben Zachariah

steuli family,

My deepest sympathy. I worked with Chris at the Tribune for the last few years and he was a joy to work with. He will be missed.

My thoughts and prayers are with you and yours.

To the Family of Christian,
My Prayers Are With You, He was a very nice person and will be missed.
I'm the Receptionist on the floor where he worked, And just that short of time he touched me.

From The Cason's Family
We Keep You In Our Prayers

Christian & I shared an account at work (Chicago Tribune). He helped us close business with this account --- and it wasn't an easy sell. But, that was Christian. He could win over any client and earn their trust easily. His clients loved him! He was a gentleman, always smiling, positive, happy, intelligent and he knew how to enjoy life to the fullest. He was so proud of his family, too ~ especially his wife and children whom he talked about often. Christian's spirit, smile & gentle heart will never be forgotten! We'll miss you here at the Tribune, Christian!

Dear Terry:

I don't know if you would remember me but I have played tennis with your Mom for many years and when you were younger we played tennis together at the Courts with your Mom and Dad. I always saw Chris on Saturday morning at Courts Plus and saw him in the morning at the train station. He always said Hello, made friendly conversation and had a great smile. My deepest sympathy to you and your family!

Amy

Terry, Allison, Christian and Caroline,
I worked closely with Chris at Tribune for two years. He truly was one in a million and one of the most generous and giving co-workers I've ever known. He was adored by his clients and loved sales -- but clearly loved his family more. He was so proud of all of you.
We miss him.
I can't express how sorry I am for your loss and am keeping you and all the Streulis in my thoughts and prayers.
Maureen Powers

Uncle Chris,
I've always felt very lucky to have you as my uncle and god father. You were so much fun to be around and made everyone around you smile. In some ways you remind me of my own dad, and I think its because you both shared a special sense of adventure. I feel honoured to have spent a fabulous couple of weeks in Wisconsin with everyone and I'll always remember what fun we had together. I wish I could be there with my cousins Allison, Christian and Caroline and my Aunt Terri to hug and wish you all the best. I will miss you Uncle Chris and always remember you as being my cool god father. Love Elaine

Chris was so sweet, kind and always seemed to be smiling. My heart goes out to his wife and children during this very sad time. My deepest thoughts, prayers and sympathy go out to his entire family.

With Sympathy,

Terri, Allison, Christian and Caroline – The Nicolosi’s grieve your loss with you. I really looked up to Chris in many ways. He was gentle kind, soft spoken and a fun person. It is clear from the emails I am now reading and the other messages on this site that this was at the root of who Chris has been his entire life. It is a genuine tribute to a good spirt. We stand at the ready to help in any way you may need. Big or small active or passive you can turn to anyone of us. Paul Nicolosi

Dear Mrs. Streuli, allison, caroline, and christian. Our family has known you guys for a couple years now. We have had outstanding memories, between the sneaking out and the bonfires. Our families have bonded soo much! I could honestly say that i could go to Mr. streuli for anything and he would accept. He was such a loving, generous and kind man. The weekend before he past we were sitting down eating on a friday night at Luckys Canteen. That Sunday i [sophie] was sitting with allison, mrs. and mr. streuli having luch in your kitchen. I am just sooo happy and thankful that we had such great memories all together. it is kind of amazing how god works. I know that God and Mr. streuli are looking down on us. If you guys ever need anything wether you are in elmhurst or in Lake geneva give us a call. Please dont hesitate. We love you guys.

Uncle Chris I love you,
You were always good to everyone, were fair and a good hearted. I am just so thankful we got the chance to hang out the way we did when I visisted, and im so happy i stayed the extra week. You will always be here with us in our memories. The energy and spirit of you will always be here with us, you were loved so much by everyone. Auntie Terri and my little cousins I cant even fathom something to say, because I wanted to come with my dad, just so that I could hug u guys. I love you guys, and im still saving to come at the end of 09.
Lots of love
Chad

Terri and kids, Chris was an amazing person. Always had a smile on his face and was always positive and upbeat. He was a great friend and I consider myself lucky to have known him. We'll miss him.

On behalf of so many of your Bronxville School Classmates, we will never forget your smile, the twinkle in your eye and beautiful personality. You will be truly missed by all. We are so happy you made our 25th BHS Reunion. So many people had a chance to catch up with you and found out that you loved being a husband and dad. We all knew happiness would follow you where and what ever you did. May you be looking down on all of us and making us smile!

Terri,
We are here for you - anything we can do, now or any time in the future.
Karen and Mete

To Terri, Allison, Christian and Caroline . . Everyone on Poplar Avenue loved Chris. He always had friendly words for each of us. 95-year-old Chuck Grande on the corner remembers Chris as always washing windows up on a ladder, but happy to come down when he saw him (Mr. Grande) to see how he was doing. My last memory of Chris was yelling at each other down the block as I was trying to help him catch the dog. We take those small interactions so forgranted, but now they will be so cherished. Please know that we are here close by to help you in any way possible, at any time, now and in the future. We all care about you and want to be there for you.

Terri,
I am so sad to hear about your tradegy. I lost my mother last summer and it was so hard. She was 98 and had had a good life so I never did figure our why it was so hard but it was. It was a very long time before I could talk about her without crying but I finally decided that it is just okay to cry. It just means we had a strong connection and that is a good thing. I will be thinking about you and your children and hope that you can draw strength from each other.

While I did not know him, after reading about him, he sounds like a wonderful human being. My thoughts and prayers be with all who knew and loved him.

Dear Streuli Family,

I'm so saddend to hear the news about Chris. He's always been so caring and gracious over the 15+ years I’ve known him. I’ll never forget the way his eyes lit up when I recently told him my son was going to CU-Boulder this fall. Terri, you and your children are in my thoughts and prayers during this very difficult time.

My deepest sympathies to the Streuli family. I worked with Chris at USA Today and considered him to be a great mentor as well as a friend. I'll miss seeing his warm smile at industry events and will never forget his kind and generous spirit.

I was lucky to be one of Chris's clients in the advertising business
a number of years ago.
Lucky, because of the enthusiasm and joy he brought to his job; stories of skiing; his birthplace Switzerland; and finding
the woman of his dreams, Terri.

When I think of Chris..I think of his big wonderful smile and positive energy.
My heart and prayers are with you, his beloved family.

Chris was our son-in-law but we loved him like a son. He was sweet and loving. He never knew how to say no to anyone.We will miss him so much but thank God we have so many great memories. Every time we look at our grandchildren we will think of Chris.

Terry, Allison, Christian, and Caroline.
Our thoughts and prayers are with your family. Chris will always be one of our best friends and we miss him dearly.

The Stru was taken from us far too soon, and we will never know why (God must've needed him), but the outpouring of love and celebration of his life is unrivaled in this world or any other.

To Terry, Allison, Christian and Caroline, and Huguette and Nick and Mich - our thoughts and prayers, love and grief, sorrow and sympathies go out to you today and always.

Our deepest sympathy to Terry, Allison, Christian and Caroline. Chris
will be remembered as a wonderful
neighbor, loving husband and great father who always had a smile on his face. He seemed so relaxed at the lake in spite of all the trips up and down that steep hill from the lake to the house. We will cherish our memories of Chris and miss him deeply.

My relationship with Chris goes back 20 years. Chris was one of the kindest and most generous men one could ever meet. It was an honor to have Chris Streuli as a friend. His memory will be with me forever. My thoughts and prayers are with Terry and the children. You should know that your Dad was a truly special man.

The Stru was a unique individual beloved by so many for his charm, sense of humor, spirit and a heart so big that it is hard to believe it has stopped beating. We will miss him terribly but never forget him. I think we are all a little bit better people for having known and loved him.

Chris was physically strong but his spirit was so gentle and free of any cynicism or artiface that it made you feel protective of him. He was almost childlike that way and I mean that in the best sense.

God bless your soul, Chris, and God bless Terri and your children. I'm sure that unique Stru spark lives on in them.

Your friend,

DT

Stru, as he was known in our family because of his lifelong friendship with my brother Larry, will always be remembered with that incredible smile and openness to life.

My sympathies to entire Streuli family and please know that you are in our prayers,

To the Streuli Family...my sincerest condolences! I had only known Chris for 6 months, but in that time, his friendly personality always made him a pleasure to be around. I pray for God's strength and comfort to cover each of you during this difficult time.

Chris always had the biggest smile and biggest heart of any guy I've ever known. He was the real deal and will live on in our hearts and souls. My deepest condolences to his family. Kids, always know, your Dad was one of the truly good guys on this planet.

Terry,
My deepest sympathy. My family and I are very sorry. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.

Terri and Family,

Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. Chris was a wonderful man, husband and father, he will be missed by so many people that were touched by his kindness. May the sweet memories that you have shared and the love you had for one another help you at this most difficult time.

Love,
Mike, Christine, Lauren, Peyton and Parker Hilfinger

The path to Chris Streuli's friendship was like a wide open barn door on a sunny afternoon. He welcomed all creatures great and small into his life, effortlessly diffusing warmth and friendliness to an unusually broad assortment of people. In addition, Chris placed few limitations on his friendship. His deliberate manner, modesty, tolerance, determination and, above all, 24/7 heart combined to form a personal character whose company was highly unique and compelling. Memories of the company that I kept with Stru will rest secure among my most treasured possessions for the remainder of my days.

Terry, my deepest sympathy for you and your family. Chris will be missed by the many friends and family that were touched by him.

Dear Terry,

We were devastated to hear of this major loss. Chris was a wonderful neighbor, always greeting people with that big, handsome smile. He was devoted to the kids, as evidenced by the amount of time he spent with them. I'm even more glad now that we moved from the block, because I know it will be a sadder place without Chris.

Our best to you and the kids. We are here for you if there is anything we can do.

Dear Terri and Family,

My deepest sympathy goes out to you during this most difficult time!
You are in my thoughts and prayers!

Hold on to your memories.
Karin Fox