Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Chris Valkanoff Obituary
Okemos
Chris Valkanoff, 89, formerly of Okemos, Michigan and Pompano Beach, Florida passed away Sunday, March 1. 2015 in Jackson, Mississippi after a short illness. Chris was born in Lansing, Michigan on November 28, 1925 and had a wonderful marriage of 69 years to Sophia (Stoney).
Chris was a proud member of the U.S. Navy and served in World War II on a PT Boat in the South Pacific. After the return from the war, Chris and Sophia owned the Midway Café on Cedar Street for 20+ years. Chris also worked for General Motors and retired in 1990. After retirement Chris and Sophia moved to Pompano Beach, Florida and became active in owning standardbred harness horses. It became his passion and hobby. In 2010, a horse they bred, Whosgoingwhosstaying, was the 2 year old horse of the year and Sophia and Chris were standardbred breeders of the year in Florida.
Surviving to cherish his memory are daughters Denise (Jack) Stein, Christine (John) McGraw and sons, David (Cindy) and Dennis (Miki). Chris and Sophia had 8 grandchildren, Kevin (Kara), Stacey (Rob), Jeff (Kim), Joe (Trish), Austin, Morgan, Alexis and Andrew (Christina).
Chris had 11 great-grandchildren and one great-granddaughter due in late March.
A celebration of Chris's life will be held in June in Florida.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Chris Valkanoff
3 Entries
Tom Small
March 11, 2015
Sophie, it has been a very long time, but I just wanted you and your family to know that I am thinking of you and praying for your family. Hope you are well.
March 4, 2015
My thoughts and prayers go out to you and yours. I am so very sorry for the loss of Chris. Please know that I hold you guys close to my heart and in my prayers.
Mary Baker
March 4, 2015
So Very sorry for the loss of your dad, Remember him so very well through my dad, Edwin Panwas, they were good friends. thought's and prayers to all.
Showing 1 - 3 of 3 results
Make a Donation
in Chris Valkanoff's name
Memorial Events
for Chris Valkanoff
How to support Chris's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Chris Valkanoff's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
