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Divine Mercy Funeral Home - Fort Wayne

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Fort Wayne, Indiana

Christopher Thatcher Obituary

Christopher "Chris" Thatcher, 57, of Fort Wayne, beloved son, brother, father, uncle, and friend, died unexpectedly on November 23, 2023, Chris graduated from Homestead High School in 1985, attended Vincennes University, and was a member of the Sigma Nu Fraternity. He worked at Dana Incorporated for nearly 35 years as a journeyman/millwright, as a union leader for 10 years, and was a proprietor for the Blue Moon restaurant in Garrett for 15 years. Chris was preceded in death by his father, William H. Thatcher Jr. He is survived by his sons, Dalton Wade and Auston Jeffrey Thatcher; mother, Carolyn (Burns) Thatcher; brother, Will (Jennifer) Thatcher; Newfoundland, Nora; and many relatives and friends who loved him dearly.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, December 1, 2023, at Divine Mercy Funeral Home, 3500 Lake Ave., Fort Wayne (46805) with visitation one hour prior. Visitation will also be held from 4 to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, November 30, 2023, at the funeral home. Burial will be at Catholic Cemetery, Fort Wayne. Condolences can be left at www.divinemercyfuneralhome.org.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Fort Wayne Newspapers on Nov. 28, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
for Christopher Thatcher

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Joe & Shelly Nycum

December 1, 2023

Carolyn, Dalton, Auston, Will and Family,

We had the pleasure of watching Chris grow from a child to a successful young man. He was blessed with a loving family that help mold him into the kind and thoughtful person that he was.

Some of our fondest memories include playing football with Chris, Will, and Patrick in the front yard of his grand parent's house and stopping by the Blue Moon at the intersection of SR 8 & SR 327. Even when there was a long line of cars to be served, Chris took time to visit with us and we of course loved the tasty ice cream cones on hot summer days.

Chris touched our lives in such a positive way during the years that he was with us and we're greatful for that. And we cannot help but wonder what greater impact he might have had on our lives and the world if he had lived longer. But as scripture tells us, we know not the day or hour that our journey on earth will end. Thanks to our baptism and gift of faith, we know that death is not the end. Actually, the day of our death from this life is our birthday into eternal life.

With prayers for peace and love, Joe & Shelly

Britney Fuentes

November 30, 2023

Chris was like a second dad to me during my tIme at the Blue moon 20 some years ago. Ill never forget all the fun times at the moon. He was always making us laugh. Im glad our paths crossed. He helped mold me into the employee I am today!

Marty & Allison Lehmann

November 30, 2023

Carolyn & family, we are so sorry to hear of his passing. There are no words that have not been said or that will make this easier for you but we wanted you to know you are in our prayers.

Dan and Sally Riecke

November 30, 2023

Our thoughts and prayers are with you with the loss of your beloved Christopher.

Dave Waldrop

November 29, 2023

Chris and I were related by marriage. He had a big heart, always nice, highly intelligent, excellent entrepreneur and provider for his family. I always enjoyed our conversations. He will be missed by his boys, family, friends and co-workers.

Charlie Schoeph

November 29, 2023

My deepest sympathy to the Thatcher family.Chris was one of the best friends & kindest guy anyone could ever have, rest in peace my friend. Charlie Schoeph

Jerry Becker

November 28, 2023

I worked at Danna with Chris,l was his group leader when he came into the millwrights. He was just a great guy and friend. We all will miss him dearly.

Virginia (Ginny) Wyman

November 28, 2023

To the "Thatcher" Family, was very surprised to read this notice. My sympathy to the family. Don't know if you will remember me from living on Fairfield & my boys (Scott/Sam) playing ball w/ you/your brother @ Foster Park. My husband (John) was a good friend/coach w/ your father. So sorry for your loss! Ginny Wyman

Betty Gipe

November 28, 2023

Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.

Cathy Householder

November 27, 2023

Chris really was a gentle giant. He had the kindest heart. I´m so happy to know him. Back in the day, I used to cut his hair. I don´t cut hair, but cut his because I was free . We had long discussions about me marrying his friend John. I married John, and Chris was John´s best man in our wedding. We were all in our 20s. We were fortunate to see Chris last year when we came home to Ft Wayne. We are so grateful to have had that opportunity to visit with him again and catch up. Rest in peace Chris. You were loved by many. Sending prayers to your 2 sons and family.

Carl Griffiths

November 27, 2023

Chris was a great friend that will not be forgotten , I will miss our morning breakfast´s together

Ron Bortner

November 27, 2023

I worked closely with Chris in my role as the HR Manager at Dana in Fort Wayne. He was often times a voice of reason in his union leadership role and always respected differing opinions even if we sometimes reached different conclusions about issues. He was also a genuine good person who cared about other people and had a big heart. He had a great personality and a good sense of humor as well. I am praying God's grace is granted to his entire family and his extensive circle of friends as they work their way through this unexpected loss.

Tim Houlihan

November 27, 2023

I cannot count all the"spirited discussions" we had through the years. Always fun, could be loud, but always with respect and ending in laughter.
Tireless worker either at Dana or The Blue Moon.
Loved his sons and would do anything for them.
Perfect example of "gentle giant".
Rest easy Big Bird.

Chris Thomas

November 27, 2023

Blessings to your family Chris.
Rest In Peace my friend and coworker.

Delphine Barrett

November 26, 2023

Rest in peace Chris, you were always the voice of reason. You will be missed.

Angie Willis

November 26, 2023

Chris you were so very kind to me as a new supervisor at Dana. I had a tremendous amount of respect for your hard work and for caring so much about the employees. You were a union man because you sincerely loved taking care of the people. We all loved you, management and hourly. God bless your sweet soul and may your family find peace in this time of great loss Angie Willis

Jeffrey Pelz

November 26, 2023

You have, and always will be, the subject of so many great stories of our lives. From getting upgraded to first class because the steward thought you played for the Bears, to freeing our rental pontoon from the sand and surf of the Gulf of Mexico. We shared many things and we are so thankful that you graced our lives with laughter and thought. We will miss you so.
Aunt Val and Uncle Jeff

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Memorial Events
for Christopher Thatcher

Nov

30

Visitation

4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Divine Mercy Funeral Home

3500 Lake Ave, Fort Wayne, IN 46805

Dec

1

Visitation

10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

Divine Mercy Funeral Home

3500 Lake Ave, Fort Wayne, IN 46805

Dec

1

Funeral service

11:00 a.m.

Divine Mercy Funeral Home

3500 Lake Ave, Fort Wayne, IN 46805

Dec

1

Committal

12:15 p.m.

Catholic Cemetery (Fort Wayne)

3500 Lake Ave, Fort Wayne, IN 46805

Funeral services provided by:

Divine Mercy Funeral Home - Fort Wayne

3500 Lake Avenue, Fort Wayne, IN 46805

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