Christopher Pursel

Christopher Joshua Pursel, a loving father, husband, and son left this mortal world on December 28th, 2024, leaving behind a big hole in the hearts of all who loved him, but hearts filled with many wonderful memories.

Chris “Topher” Pursel made his magnificent debut into this world on August 10th, 1981, in Munster, IN. Chris, even from a young age, was a smile and light in the lives of those around him, growing up as the baby of his family to his siblings, Ruth and Dennis. He held such passion in everything he encountered, even in his childhood, that persisted through his life. He had passions for sports, music, and art in which he excelled.

Chris grew up in a home filled with travel, adventure, and cherished traditions. His mother, Irma, made every birthday and Christmas special, creating meaningful celebrations for her children. From homemade cakes to handmade piñatas, she ensured that each occasion was unique and filled with joy. Chris idolized his father, Dennis, unfortunately bonding closely over the loss of Chris’s brother. His father became his closest confidant, and they would share many meals, thoughts, and conversation about life, God, and everything in between.

Chris always looked up to his older brother, following him into sports and other adventures. Whether they were riding four-wheelers through the fields of Griffith together, playing soccer against one another, or finding clever ways to tease their sister. No matter what the situation, Dennis was always fiercely protective of his younger brother, inspiring Chris to grow into a natural protector himself. Chris and his brother were an inseparable duo, true partners in crime, especially when it came to sweet treats. On Halloween, they were notorious for sneaking and devouring their sister’s hidden candy before she even noticed it was gone.

He enjoyed many family vacations to all sorts of destinations. Mexico was a regular visit for the family. Spending time in Guadalajara where time would stand still, they would enjoy time with cousins, aunts and uncles and taking in the roots of their culture.

From his childhood, Chris became the ultimate jokester, who was very lighthearted and filled with love. He had one of the most caring hearts, that was easy going and accepting of all for who they areface value. At a young age, Chris found another brother and best friend, Matthew Kallen. Chris and Matt would live their lives together and apart, but always found their way back to each other. Even as they grew older together, they would still spend time together, just like in the old days. They enjoyed going paintballing, riding go karts andfilling each other’s days bonding over laughter, forming a lifelong comradery.with fond memories. They shared some of the hardest and challenging times together but always had each other’s backs.

Chris never stopped trying to be the best at everything he did. He found his love for design through his passion for art. This inspired him to attend ITT Technical Institute for his associate degree in applied science for computer aided drafting technology. He found beauty in the things he saw around him. Throughout his career, Chris was able to travel and see the US, but he always found his way back home to his loved ones.

Chris loved spending time with his nephews, Eddie and Nathaniel Ortiz, when he came to visit. When they were younger, you could find Chris outside playing soccer or basketball with them. He could be seen running around like a little kid, having the time of his life. Chris loved driving his sports car and taking them for drives around the town. He always made sure that he was there for them just like he was for everyone. He made sure he left a lasting impact on every person he came across.

It was not long after his final return home that he met the love of his life, Brittney Campbell. It was not love at first sight, in fact, it took a few weeks for Chris to see the gem he found on a blind first date. It was after Brittney bought him tacos and beer, that they shared their first kiss. It was that moment that Chris started to believe he had found his soul mate. When Brittney learned no one had wished him well or showered him with gifts for his 38th birthday, although barely knowing each other, Brittney bought him gifts and cupcakes for his birthday and left them for him as a surprise. Chris then fell in love with his future wife. He always said it was the most kind, selfless act of love she shared with him that stole his heart, but Brittney knows it was the cupcakes that earned his love.

The days and years flew so fast after that as the love between them grew. On his first trip to meet Brittney’s family, Chris wanted to ask for his loves’ hand in marriage of his soon-to-be in- laws. As they sat for dinner, Randy said yes and then asked Chris, “Why wait to propose?” Chris looked his love in the eyes and asked her to marry him, right then and there. Although he had no ring to propose with, Celinda quickly passed Chris her mother’s class ring, to place upon Brittney’s finger. It was perfect for their love story. He had her love, she had his, there was nothing else that would make them happier.

Until one fateful day, on April 27, 2022, Chris and Brittney welcomed their one and only daughter, Arya. From the moment Arya took her first breath, Chris was wrapped around her little finger, and she became his entire world. A big burly man, full of toughness that could take on anything, met his match with this little lady. It went from sports and games to teatime and giggles. Chris would spend his days working from home, cherishing the moments he had with his little girl. He always said her smile was perfection and her giggles were infectious. Chris had the biggest heart for his girls, doing and giving anything for them, and always providing nothing but love and affection.

Chris enjoyed many things in life. He even rekindled his love of hockey and began playing again later in life. He spent his final years living out his dreams in his home in Merrillville with his wife and daughter. He passed away, unexpectedly, in his home on December 28th, 2024. He is survived by his loving wife of three and a half years, Brittney Pursel, (Campbell), dear daughter, Arya Pursel, mother, Irma Pursel; sister Ruth (Tom) Ortiz; mother and father-in-law Celinda and Randy Campbell; nephews and nieces; Eddie Ortiz, Nathaniel Ortiz, Lia Ortiz, Aspen Fisher, and Sierra Fisher; uncles. Richard (Janet) Pursel and William” Billy” (late Jacqueline) Pursel. Preceded in death by his father, Dr. Dennis Pursel; and brother Dennis Pursel.

A Visitation will be held on Friday, January 3, 2025, from 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM at Solan Pruzin Funeral Home in Schererville, IN. A Celebration of Life Services will be held at 12 PM on Saturday, January 4th, 2025, at the funeral home. Friends may visit with the family, Saturday morning from 11 AM until the time of service. Services conclude at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Northwest Indiana Sports Charities (NWISC).

A very special thanks goes out to our loving family, neighbors, and friends who have supported Brittney and her little girl at this very difficult time. The family would like to express their love and appreciation to Richard Rowe, Meredith Edwards, Whitney Redd, Glory Gutierrez, Jose and Daisy Martinez, Erica Rodriguez, and Jesse Gallegos. Your support, presence, and giving nature has saved Brittney in her life and she is eternally grateful for such amazing friends and family.