Christopher N. John

FUNERAL HOME

Church & Chapel Funeral Home - New Berlin

15250 West National Ave

New Berlin, Wisconsin

Christopher John Obituary

John, Christopher N. Passed away peacefully after a courageous battle with brain cancer on Friday, June 7, 2013, at the age of 53 years. Beloved husband of Cari (nee Zachow). Dear father of Alexander (Courtney) and Katherine, step-father of Eric Effert and Big Brother to Christian. Brother of Maria (Richard) Detty, Peter and the late Gregory. Son of George and Barbara. Son-in-law of Marilyn and Carl Chiappetti. Uncle of Zachary and Courtney. Further survived by other relatives and many friends. Chris was a Zoo-Keeper in the Big Cat Country for 25 years at the Milwaukee County Zoo. He loved attending GenCon, playing board and computer games, canoeing, hiking, vacationing, Legos and eating M & M's. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the family appreciated. A special thank you to the staff at Zilber Hospice. Visitation from 4PM until 7PM "Time of Sharing" on Friday, June 14, 2013 at CHURCH AND CHAPEL, 15250 W. National, New Berlin, WI. Burial is Private.

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Published by Milwaukee Journal Sentinel on Jun. 9, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
for Christopher John

12 Entries

Jeremy Borouchoff

June 16, 2013

I am so sorry for your family's loss. Chris and I were school chums and later, we worked together at his uncle's bookshop in downtown Milwaukee. Chris had a great sense of humor and a sharp wit about him. I was lucky to be able to visit with Chris shortly after he started home hospice. He will always have a special place in my heart and in my memory.

June 14, 2013

Dear John family, I am a regular walker at the Milwaukee County Zoo and my route took me through the Big Cat Country building. Thank goodness as that is where I met Chris. I always looked forward to our conversations of getting the inside scoop of all the cats. More importantly, I had the honor to know Chris and was immediately impressed with his knowledge, kindness, sincere, and honest characteristics. I don't think the zoo realizes what a wonderful person they had in Chris. My walks through that building will never be the same. I will miss him. My deepest sympathy to the entire John family. Chris will live on in all of those fortunate to know him such as me.

June 13, 2013

Dear Katie,
I am so sorry for the loss of your dad. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. His memory will live on with you forever, I think of my dad everyday since since he passed away. It is hard but we get through it with all the loving memories.
Mary Mazurkiewicz (Megan's mom)

Our lion Kenya sends his condolences!

Tim Stoffel

June 13, 2013

When I was growing up in Waupun, Wisconsin, the Milwaukee Zoo was the very first place I ever saw big cats in my life. I especially remember the lions. This is in the days before Mr. John worked there, but nevertheless, it was an inspiration for later in my life. I moved to New York State in 1988, but I may have met Mr. John in 1997 when I visited the zoo while in Milwaukee. Whoever it was picked up on my keen interest in big cats and let me follow him around (as much as a member of the public could) during feeding time. Five years later, a big dream of my own came true when I became a lionkeeper at the Sierra Safari Zoo in Reno, Nevada. I have been doing that ever since, and also work with other peoples' big cats when they need assistance. I know exactly what Mr. John experienced in his career, and there is nothing quite like working with the big cats. I wish Christopher lots of lions and other big cats to play with forever, and I hope he 'meets' my best friend ever, a liger named 'Hobbs'. In any case, my condolences to Mr. John's family, but know no big cat person is ever unhappy in heaven!

Jim & Cindy Brown

June 12, 2013

Katie,Our hearts are aching for you with the passing of your dad. Even though we never met him, from how you talked about your dad, he must have been an amazing man. May the loving memories he left behind in your heart bring comfort to you in the difficult days ahead…..Sending our heartfelt blessings to you and your family...

June 12, 2013

Dear Chris,

Thanks for being the most amazing brother that I could have ever hoped for. I always knew that I was loved and respected. You were always the rock in my life that I could lean on. So full of sound wisdom that came to you so naturally.

Your character was beyond belief and such a tremendous guide for me to follow in my life. I knew the words and guidance that you gave me was always based in truth and honor.

I'm not sure you will ever know how many lives you impacted in a meaningful and positive way. You were the best father I had even seen and a solid friend to many. You often cared when (and where) many did not.

There are not enough people in this world like you. You will live in my mind and heart forever, you will go everywhere I am. I will do my best to honor all that you have taught me.

Always 'your little bro',

Peter

Paula Spiering

June 12, 2013

As a former Zoo Prider, I remember Chris very well. Over the years as a volunteer, I met Chris several times as tour guide. He made the Cat House a special place to tour. His love of the cats, and his desire to share that love, was very apparent. I would guess he has taken the job of "Cat Keeper" in the great sky. Rest well Chris.

June 12, 2013

My sweet brother will live in my heart forever.
Maria

June 10, 2013

Back when Katie was just six months old and Alex was young, I used to babysit for my Cousin, Amy and Chris. My fondest memory of him was when he came home from work one day with a Tiger's Whisker. He said he was the envy of all of his co-workers! It was a long time ago, but that's how I'll remember him. I am sorry for your loss.

June 10, 2013

Dear Katie,
I am so very sorry about the loss of your father. You have been a wonderful daughter to him. Please know that you and your family are in my prayers.
With love,
Anne Robarge

Phyllis Williams

June 10, 2013

Fond memories of Chris from grade school and high school. I remember him as a kind soul.

Family

Katherine John

June 9, 2013

No words will be able to describe the character of my father's soul, the life he lived, those he touched and how incredible a Dad he was. He will always be the smartest person I know, the funniest guy with the funniest faces and the most loving human being in my life.

He will be truly missed every day and thought of in every important moment in my life.

XOXO

I love you Dad.

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