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Christopher Dana Obituary
Born in Helena on June 26, 1983, to Gary and Lisa, Chris attended Four Georgians Elementary, C.R. Anderson Middle School and graduated from Capital High School in 2002. During his high school career, he helped Target to open and worked there throughout those years.
Wanting to serve and protect his beloved country against the war on terrorists, following graduation, Chris joined the Montana Army National Guard. He successfully completed armored reconnaissance specialist training at Fort Knox, Ky., in March 2003.
He briefly returned to Helena and then received his orders for active duty to fight in Operation Iraqi Freedom. He went to Fort Bliss, Texas, in July 2004 for his initial training with Troop E163rd Cav. He proudly went to Iraq in November 2004, serving as a gunner, bravely patrolling the dangerous area and honorably fulfilling his missions as ordered. He demobilized in early November 2005, returning to Helena by Thanksgiving where he celebrated his safe return with his Helena family.
He returned to work as a manager at Target, a job that he thoroughly enjoyed and performed well. Suffering from post traumatic stress syndrome, he left his job earlier this year, never fully coming to terms with his experiences in Iraq.
He will be missed by all who loved his dry wit, compassion for others and tender spirit.
Christopher is survived by his loving parents, Lisa Kuntz and Gary Dana; his cherished brother, Cameron; his father Gary's companion and friend, Linda Agostinelli and her children, Travis (Jennifer) Thompson and their son, Eli; Sarah and George Cooney and their son, Tracer; Rodney and Anton Agostinelli; maternal grandparents, Keith and Joan Sell; aunts, Julie and Diane (Dean Olsen); uncle, Mike Sell (Amanda Westfall); cousins, Jay, Bradley, Taylor, Jack and Caden. On his father's side, he is survived by grandparents, Ken Dana and Elsie and Dean Johnson; uncles, Mead (Debbie), Ray, Dennis (Lisa); aunt, Linda (Bob Cronholm) and cousins, Cory, Michelle, Mead, Ericka, Amber, Krysta, Kyle and Kendra. He is also survived by special friends, Ray, Matt, Janna and Nick Kuntz and lifetime best friend, Joe Ellwein.
Visitation will begin at 11 a.m. today at Retz Funeral Home. The family invites you to come and celebrate Christopher's life during a time of sharing and remembrance at 6 p.m. today, March 8, at the Retz Funeral Home Chapel. A funeral service will be held 10 a.m. Friday, March 9, at the Cathedral of St. Helena. Interment with military honors will be at the Montana State Veterans Cemetery at Fort Harrison. Memorials in Christopher's name are suggested to the Capital High School Library, 100 Valley Drive Helena, MT 59601.
Express condolences at http://www.legacy.com/HelenaIR/.
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Memories and Condolences
for Christopher Dana
Michele Faure
April 2, 2007
Lisa and Cam,
We just read of your loss in Sundays article, our prayers and thoughts are with you, we are very sorry for the loss of your son and brother. The Faure Family, Mike, Michele, Logan, Josh, Derek
DeeAnn (Lekvold) Howard
March 29, 2007
Lisa,
I apologize for the lateness of this message--just heard about your loss this week. Please know how sorry I am & that my heart goes out to you and your family. It's been so long since we have been in contact with each other, but old friends are good friends in my heart.
ROSE MOORE
March 16, 2007
GARY-LISA,
I WORKED WITH ELSIE AT BUTTREYS FOR
QUITE A FEW YEARS AND I AM SO SORRY
TO HEAR ABOUT YOUR LOSS. MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS GO OUT TO YOUR ENTIRE FAMILY.
ROSE MOORE-BILLINGS,MT.
Ty Bjornson
March 13, 2007
Lisa,
I'm deeply sadened by your loss. My heartfelt condolences to you and your family. Please know that all of you are in my prayers.
Warmest Regards, ~ TY
Debbie (Stevens) Veroulis
March 13, 2007
Lisa, Gary and family,
I cannot even begin to understand your pain but please know that you are in my prayers and I hope you find comfort in all your wonderful memories of Christopher.
Christina Crowder
March 13, 2007
I graduated with Chris and what I did know of him was that he was a kind and gentle soul. The lives of the people he touched were made better. It is such a tragedy that such a kind person is no longer with us. All prayers are with his family.
susan hoving
March 13, 2007
I met Chris when I worked at the Police Dept, he talked of going into Law Enforcement one day. Whenever I would go into Target, he was always there softspoken, smile, he was so friendly to everyone he met. He had such a kindness about him, he would recognize you first and make a point to say 'Hi'. I am sure he will be missed greatly.
God be with him and you all.
Eric Wells
March 11, 2007
Although Christopher was in a different platoon, i did have the honor of serving with him and becoming friends. Godspeed my friend.
Susie Fergerson-Wong
March 11, 2007
Lisa, Gary,Cameron,and all of your families,
I was so sad to hear about Chris. Please know that you are all in my
thoughts and prayers.
Love,
Susie
Shannie Bock
March 10, 2007
I am so sorry for your loss. Your entire family is in my prayers. Thank you for sharing Chris with all of us. I really enjoyed working with him at Target and spending time hanging out with him outside of work. Love to all.
Linda Grady-Sylte
March 10, 2007
Chris,
Sara, Tasa, Kala, and I are all glad we had the opportunity to have been a part of your life. We know that where you are now, is where you belong; the place of love, peace, and tranquilty with God.
Dennis Quinn
March 10, 2007
I am so sorry for your loss, and my thoughts & prayers go out for your entire family.
Marilyn Buck
March 10, 2007
I worked with Chris at Target. He was always so kind and a joy to work with.My thoughts and Prayers are with you!
Sandy (Long) Benson
March 9, 2007
God will be with you to give you strength. My thoughts and prayers are with you now.
Tia Buck
March 9, 2007
Chris, I wish we spoke more than the few words we exchanged. To his family and friends, I'm so sorry for your loss and wish I could offer better words than just these alone.
JASON & kATHY KELLER
March 9, 2007
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Marcie (Howell) Ross and family
March 9, 2007
My deepest sympathy on the loss of your son. May you find comfort in your memories. He will live in the hearts of everyone who loved him.
Blake Chartier
March 9, 2007
Lisa and Gary, I'm sorry that I never got to meet Chris, and I am so sorry for your loss. I grieve with you, your famlies, and all of Christopher's friends and fellow solders.
Ashley Sundine
March 9, 2007
My thoughts and prayers are with you. He was a wonderful friend and was always there when you need a shoulder to lean on. He was always quick with a smile and a helping hand. He will be missed always.
Marilyn Dana
March 8, 2007
Lisa & Gary, My heart goes out to both of you for the loss of Christopher. No loss is greater than that of a child. My thoughts and prayers are with you both.
Keena Hinman
March 8, 2007
To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.
Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."
It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man."
God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.
When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.
I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.
There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.
If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.
So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.
And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.
Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998-2007
J.T., Keena, Jordan, and Jonathan Hinman
Pam Jackson
March 8, 2007
Both of our sons served in Iraq with Chris and they think very highly of him. So sorry to hear about your loss.
SSG Randy Jackson
March 8, 2007
It was a honor to serve with a great soldier. You will be missed.
Keila Davis
March 8, 2007
Gary, Lisa and family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you. I had the pleasure of knowing Chris since I was a child. My heart is with you although my location does not allow me to be. Chris, you will be missed.
Torrey Carpenter
March 8, 2007
I give you my deepest sympathy for the loss of Chris. The people that he knew and served with will miss him very much. As his team leader in Iraq, I came to know him very well and will always hold his memory in my heart and never forget how he always made me smile and laugh while we were there. He will be greatly missed.
Richard Wood
March 8, 2007
A very kind and giving man whom I will miss. Rest in piece my friend. God speed trooper.
Julie Rossberg
March 8, 2007
Christopher, my sweet and beloved nephew...I will always remember teaching you to tie your shoes, playing Mario Brothers (and losing)with you and your gentle, precious nature. I will love you for all eternity. Aunt Julie
Monica Winfield
March 8, 2007
Lisa, My most heartfelt sorrow is shared with you during this time. Nothing is harder than losing your child...nothing. I continually pray for you and your family and for the newest member of God's Army of Angels, your Christopher. He will always be remembered as the strong, supportive and heroic man that you raised. Be proud of him and his successes...be proud to have him in the Ultimate Army...he will be with you always.
Chris Cole
March 8, 2007
He brought smiles to many faces, and gave encouragement through example. He will be sorely missed.
Marta (B) Mahoney
March 8, 2007
Lisa, I am so, so sorry for you loss. Please know you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Trent Copps
March 8, 2007
"Halfway down the trail to hell In a shady meadow green, Are the souls of all dead troopers camped Near a good old-time canteen, And this eternal resting place Is known as Fiddler's Green. Marching past, straight through to hell, The infantry are seen, Accompanied by the Engineers, Artillery and Marine, For none but the shades of Cavalrymen Dismount at Fiddlers' Green. Though some go curving down the trail To seek a warmer scene, No trooper ever gets to Hell Ere he's emptied his canteen, And so rides back to drink again With friends at Fiddlers' Green."
Christopher is a blackhorse Cavalry Soldier and that he will always be! We Blackhorse soldiers will never forget SPC Christopher Dana and someday we to will dismount and share a drink at Fiddlers Green.
Susan Witte
March 8, 2007
Lisa and Cameron - I am so sorry.
Mike Kovick
March 8, 2007
Chris Dana was a great trooper and i'm glad i had the pleasure of serving with him, he will be missed.
Mark Boardman
March 8, 2007
SPC Dana, a fellow Trooper in Crazyhorse a 3rd Platoon "Horseman" rest in peace my friend. Thanks for a job well done. I give my sympathy to his fellow comrades, friends and family.
Glenda Tonne
March 8, 2007
To Chris's family:
My son was in Iraq with Chris, we feel your pain so deeply! Our deepest sympathy!
stephanie
March 8, 2007
Chris, i'm sorry I didn't get to know you better.
Jarred N. Roope
March 8, 2007
To the family and friends of Christopher Michael Dana: I didn’t know Chris but my brother Jacen F. Roope knew him in high school. On behalf of my brother, me and the entire Roope Family, our sincerest condolences during this time of heart ache. May God be with you!
Tony Schaan
March 8, 2007
SPC Dana was a good Trooper, and I was proud to have been with him in Iraq. I know the soldiers of (former) E Troop will miss him. Godspeed my fellow Trooper.
Karen Fox
March 8, 2007
Lisa, My heart and my tears are with you.
Gabrielle Brockett
March 8, 2007
Chris was a friend of mine in High School as well as a fellow member of the Montana National Guard. He was kind and funny. He was the type of person we need more of in the world, and I will miss him.
Sgt Devereux Stutsman
March 8, 2007
I had the pleasure of knowing Chris while being activated for the 2003 fires in Missoula and working with him in Iraq in 2004 and 2005. Chris you will be missed and never forgotten.
Kathy Stephens
March 8, 2007
Gary, Lisa and Cameron,
We were so very sorry to hear of Christophers passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Love,
Keith and Kathy Stephens
Milo Lyon
March 8, 2007
I will cherish the memories of the times hanging out with him and Joe and Emma... He will be missed and I'm sorry for your Loss...
Josh Adelblue
March 8, 2007
And Crispin Crispian shall ne'er go by, From this day to the ending of the world, But we in it shall be remembered- We few, we happy few, we band of brothers; For he to-day that sheds his blood with me, Shall be my brother
William Shakespeare,1599
It was a pleasure to be your friend, and an honor to serve with you. You will be missed.
SFC Steven Summerhays
March 8, 2007
To one of my most dependable soldiers. May you be at peace on your final ride. You will be missed.
John Hydes
March 8, 2007
Dear Lisa & Gary, We are so sorry for your loss ! Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time . John Hydes and Family
Sgt Peter Jackson
March 8, 2007
I served proudly with him in the Guard and know that he will be missed dearly by all those who knew him
Erica Dana
March 8, 2007
I know a man who could change the lives of people around him with a wink, a smile and a kind word...
We let ourselves cry today for this man, son, brother,grandson, nephew, cousin, friend, and amazing soldier.....I love you with all my heart Chris.
Soni Fleury
March 8, 2007
God be with you...What a wonderful young man. I have tears for this loss, as just one of thousands of others that has served our country.
SSG Timothy Romo
March 8, 2007
It was an honor to serve with Chris. He was a great Soldier and a great person
Emma Helmerick
March 8, 2007
I was a friend of Chris's. I spent a lot of time over at his house hanging out with him and Joe. It breaks my heart to know that he's gone and im truly sorry for your loss...
Timothy Romo
March 8, 2007
It was an honor to serve with Chris. He was a great Soldier and a great person
Kevin and Leah Weaver
March 8, 2007
We are sorry about your families loss. Christopher was an incredible person. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Cory Bartsch
March 8, 2007
Diane, Dean & Family,
I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your nephew/cousin. May you find strength in the memories you have of Christopher. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
God Bless,
Don, Cory, Rian, Kady & Michael Bartsch
michael bailly
March 8, 2007
To one of my best soldiers that I had the pleasure of leading; you will be greatly missed. Godspeed.
SFC Michael Bailly
mark clayton
March 8, 2007
Chris was a great guy, as i served side by side with him in Iraq, He had a positive reflection toward all that was to be done, weather it sit in a watch tower or sit in a gunners hatch of a humvee. As the Military says you will never be forgotten.
Duke & Vera Lynn Trangsrud
March 8, 2007
We didn't know Christopher but our son, SPC Michael Sheets was with him (Troop E 163rd Cav)in Texas and Iraq. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
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