Gerald E. "Sonny" Christner

Gerald E. 'Sonny' Christner, age 91, passed away peacefully on July 1, 2025 at 9:45 PM at Bradford Villa in Quincy, IL. Sonny was born on November 7, 1933 in Timewell, Brown County, IL the first child of Gerald L. & Alta (Dobey) Christner. He married Rita Bradbury in Mt. Sterling, IL on August 5, 1956 after serving his country in the United States Navy for 4 years during the Korean War. She survives.

Sonny was employed for his entire working career as manager of the scrap yard for Chanen's Scrap and Steel, Inc. He worked for over 33 years, retiring in July 1998.

Sonny had been a long time member and was active in the Quincy Masonic Lodge 296, Quincy Consistory. He was a member of the Ansar Temple Springfield, IL, Quincy Shriner Club, the former Quincy Exchange Club and present Quincy Service Club and also the Carthage VFW Post 5117. Sonny also served as director of the Flying Dutchmen Drum and Bugle Corps.

Family was always first for Sonny. He always loved having a houseful of his children's friends. Sonny was a master at fixing and building anything. Woodworking was a hobby he especially enjoyed.

In addition to his wife, Rita, Sonny is also survived by 3 CHILDREN: Lori Christner, Jeannie Christner Hattemar (Danny) and David Christner (Melanie).

Sonny is also survived by numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, a sister, ieces, nephews and other relatives also survive.

Sonny was preceded in death by his parents, a brother Raymond Christner and an infant daughter Rhonda Jane.

Per Sonny's wishes, cremation rites will be accorded and no formal services are planned. Donations may be made to the Quincy Service Club. The Duker & Haugh Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.