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Lt. Colonel Christopher James Dantoin
Chris passed peacefully on September 2, 2013 at Unity Hospice after a year-long battle with cancer. He was born on February 16, 1963 to Elaine (Campbell) and the late Kenneth R. Dantoin, Sr. He enjoyed weekly breakfasts and conversation with his Mom and close friends. He was the sixth of eight kids and a graduate of UW-Green Bay.
Chris served with honor and distinction in the U.S. Army Reserves 432nd Civil Affairs Battalion. He and his colleagues brought order to chaos during six battlefield deployments in Iraq, Saudi Arabia and Kosvo by restoring government functions, rebuilding vital infrastructure and providing humanitarian relief. Chris taught at the John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School and developed the U.S. Navy's Maritime Civil Affairs Group Course curriculum. His participation and leadership during multiple training exercises in Germany, Eastern Europe and Africa demonstrated the highest Army standards and personal dedication to the mission and success of the Civil Affairs community.
Chris loved what he did and thrived as a leader, strategist, mentor and innovator. He cherished the experiences and friendships forged during his 30 year career.
Chris was equally active and passionate in his civilian life as an entrepreneur with many varied interests and business undertakings. In addition to working since 2007 as the civilian administrative supervisor for the 432nd, he had recently become a licensed massage therapist with the intent of helping veterans address the physical and emotional trauma stemming from their military service.
Chris' natural curiosity, intelligence and determination made him a life-long learner and teacher on vast and varied subjects. He was a seeker and wanderer at heart, but found respite and solace in the Book of Job and the knowledge he would soon be reunited with our father Ken. His favorite two places in the world were the peaceful headwaters of the Nile River and at home watching sunsets over the Bay of Green Bay with his rescue cats Gitmo, Milo and Casper.
Chris loved a good joke and kept his sense of humor to the end entertaining and comforting family, friends and caregivers alike. His parting advice was to "find happiness by enjoying the moment you're in." Chris is survived by his sisters Laurie (Greg) Retzlaff, Valerie (Rick) Dantoin-Adamski, and April (Chris) Kuss as well as brothers Bruce (Pam), Steve (Cheryl), Ken (Debra) and Tim. He is also survived by many nephews and nieces including Jessica his god-daughter and Stephanie to whom he is most grateful for adopting his beloved kitty katters.
Our family would like to thank and recognize the members of the 432nd and their families for dedication to the civilian affairs mission Chris so fervently embraced. We also thank those who loved and supported Chris in his life and during his illness including Carolyn, Jason, Jody, Lance, Dan, Sandy, Vijay, Billie Jo and the many others too numerous to name. Your dedication to Chris is testimony to the person he was and the lives he influenced. A special thanks to Nicole at Green Bay Oncology and Jennifer at Unity's Meng Residence for appreciating Chris' unique character and providing him with outstanding professional care.
In lieu of flowers a memorial fund has been established to support no-kill animal rescue shelters in Northeastern Wisconsin.
Visitation will be held from 9:30 am until the memorial service at 11:00 am on Friday, September 6, 2013 at Calvary Lutheran Church, 1301 S. Ridge Road with the Rev. Earl Vorpagel III officiating.
Online condolences may be shared at www.lyndahl.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Chris was a wonderful man,he would take his shirt off and give it to a stranger if they needed one and would do anything for anyone.Chris was a special friend.Chris let my brother live in one of Chris's house rent free until he got his disability.Who would let anyone but my brother live in a house Scott free? Christopher Dantoin did.I miss you Chris,you were a special friend and I miss you. It was a pleasure knowing you.Say hi to Jerry...
Darlene Chase
Friend
September 2, 2023
miss him.
Dawn
Friend
July 3, 2020
Think about Chris often, when going to breakfast he always said desert first, and bacon crispy.
Wanda Gruenke
Friend
August 29, 2019
my uncle
Cullen Kuss
May 15, 2014
Dawn Mcfadden Wharrie
January 9, 2014
Chris was and always be a dear and special friend.He would do anything for anybody,always had a smile and joking around.I am HONORED to be his friend.He will always hold a special place in my heart.R.I.P.my friend.
Darlene Chase
September 29, 2013
Sorry for your loss.
Todd & Joan Borremans
September 10, 2013
My condolences to all the family
Todd McCormick
September 9, 2013
Became friends with Chris in the 890th and got to know him well on many missions. He will be greatly missed. An honor to have served with him. Rest in Peace my friend.
George A Heeres Jr
September 8, 2013
My sympathys go out to the Dantoin Family. My relationship with Chris was a very special one, Officers Ball at St. Norberts was truly one of the best nights. I will miss you greatly and hope you are peace now.
Natalie Duca
September 7, 2013
Valerie and Family - I am truly sorry for your loss. My thoughts and healing energy are with you at this time. Love to you, peace to Chris.
Lee Bialozynski
September 6, 2013
Thanks for making the team was it is! Fast Smooth and Efficient, You will be missed.
Joe Roffers
September 6, 2013
Spent time with him in Desert Storm, and after!! What a great mind, human, and FRIEND!!!
John Lewis
September 6, 2013
I will always be grateful that you were a part of my 'youth', Chris; and I will always think of you fondly. Rest in Peace, old friend.
Jen Borowitz
September 6, 2013
Lt: In 90-91, I was nothing but a boy. Thank you for demanding only the best and setting us on the right path. Blessed is the True Judge. You are surely at His side.
Paul Eberhardy
September 5, 2013
Val and family; I am so sorry for you loss, he sounds like an amazing man. Prayers and comfort to all who knew and loved him.
Kathy Flemal
September 5, 2013
A fantastic Man, always went out of his way for everyone else. Served this country and encouraged many others to do the same. He will always be remembered for the wonderful things he taught my children.
Wanda Gruenke
September 5, 2013
May this candle be lit in HONOR and MEMORY OF CHRISTOPHER DANTOIN.R.I.P.MY FRIEND.
Darlene Chase
September 5, 2013
Chris always had a smile on his face and a a great attitude about life.
Samantha Andrews
September 5, 2013
The great memories I have of Chris mainly surround the Gallery. Chris was a good friend of my sisters but treated me like I was his best friend everytime we talked. The world lost a good one when Chris passed.
PJ
September 5, 2013
Next time I eat at a restaurant I will order dessert before my meal in memory of Chris.
Dianne Walker
September 5, 2013
I have very fond memories of my first year in college hanging out with Chris. We had a lot of fun at the Blarney Stone that year as well. My family adored him. It was sad when we lost touch. There have been many times I think back to that time and those memories. I had always hoped we would reconnect. I did not know he was sick. I'm so sorry for you loss. He was a truly special person!
Karen Scales-Stankevitz
September 4, 2013
Our condolences to all of my Dantoin cousins and Aunt Elaine.
Dennis & Terri Campbell
September 4, 2013
We have lost a special man.I never seen him without a smile on his face,and he was so joyful and pleasant to be around,always joking around.My prayrers are with his friends and family to find comfort in knowing Chris is at peace and no pain.R.I.P.my Friend.
Darlene Chase
September 4, 2013
I am so sorry for your loss... I remember Chris from years back we actually dated and he was a father figure to my son Kyle... I will never forget every time we went out to eat we ALWAYS had to have pie first... Chris would say " if you eat your pie before your meal there is always room for dessert!" Chris you were an amazing man, soldier, and friend. May you keep that fantastic smile in Heavan. Prayers to the entire family!
Michelle Arnold
September 4, 2013
Thoughts and prayers go out to Aunt Elaine and family...
Linda and Allan Harris
September 4, 2013
I will always remember the smile. He was a great LT. A great guy to work with.
John Demuth
September 4, 2013
My dear friend you will be sadly missed always.
suzette plemel
September 4, 2013
Have a good one, Sir!
Dale Raby
September 4, 2013
Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.
John Pellinen
September 4, 2013
He will be greatly missed by everyone who had the pleasure of crossing his path of life. rest in peace my friend
Brian Nagan
September 4, 2013
Sir,
We never had a dull, or short, conversation when we were together in Iraq. I was your S2, you were my XO. I learned a great deal from you and I can picture you rolling your eyes right now at the compliment. The lessons I learned from you I will hold close for the rest of my military career. Thanks for your unique leadership and friendship. CPT Dale Kooyenga
Dale Kooyenga
September 3, 2013
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