Christopher James Jagelewski

1981 - 2024

Christopher James Jagelewski, age 43, of East Tawas, completed his long battle with cancer on Monday, July 29, 2024, and is now in eternal peace with our Heavenly Father.
Chris was born on Jan. 3, 1981, in Port Huron to Michael and Katherine (Yera) Jagelewski. Chris attended Saginaw Valley University where he graduated in April of 2006 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Education. With his determination for life, Chris furthered his education at SVSU and earned his Master of Education degree in August of 2012.
Chris began his high school teaching career at Merritt Academy in New Haven in 2006 where he made an impression on students for eight years. In the summer of 2014, Chris and Katy moved their family to Tawas and he taught in Hale Area Schools. In 2016 Chris became a Tawas Brave teaching AP History, Health and PE, and Advanced PE.
Chris had a heart larger than life. Always encouraging, teaching, and developing our youth. He built special bonds with students through teaching, his role with the Youth Advisory Council for Tawas Area Schools, and coaching both football and wrestling. Chris absolutely loved all of his students and co-workers, especially the bonds of mutual respect and trust.
Being an active pillar in the Tawas Community, Chris served several years as a board member of Tawas Elks and a faithfully devoted member of Zion Lutheran Church, serving on the Board of Elders. Being an outdoor enthusiast, Chris was an avid hunter and fisherman. From whitetail deer, wild turkey, and small game hunting to brook-trout fly fishing, deep water big fish, or smaller in-land lake pan fishing, Chris loved them all!
He enjoyed spending some of his free time woodworking in his garage, creating unique personal gifts for his family and friends that he would give as gifts for holidays, special occasions, or "just because surprises." Another passion Chris really loved was cooking with his five smokers! From delicious smoked meat, or desserts and appetizers, to even smoking water and then freezing it for ice cubes. There was nothing he didn't try to cook in the smoker!
Chris was never afraid to show his fan support and wear athletic apparel for the Green Bay Packers, even though he promised to try and start rooting for the Detroit Lions.
Every single person who had the privilege to know and love Chris will carry on with a huge void in our hearts. However, the hope and promise of eternal life in heaven with Jesus Christ, that Chris knew and was never afraid to share publicly, will give us reassurance that his memory remains alive forever in our hearts and minds.
Chris is survived by his wife and best friend, Kathryn Jagelewski, to whom he married on Oct. 12, 2007, at St. Peter's Evangelical Lutheran Church in Richmond. In their nearly 17 years of beautiful marriage, they were blessed with three adorable children who are surviving as well, Zoey, Mazey, and Matthew. Chris is also survived by his mother, Kathy Jagelewski; brother, Nicholas Jagelewski and his two children: Camden and Cade; father and mother-in-law, Gary and Sue Schafer; brother and sister-in-law, Bernie and Megan Osebold and their five children: Molly, Charlotte, Barrett, Henry and Jack; brother and sister-in-law, Rick and Bethany Matthews; his "brother from another mother," Larry and Stephanie Adams; former sister-in-law, Tara Jagelewski; many aunts, uncles, cousins, and so many dear friends.
Chris was preceded in death by his father, Michael Jagelewski; and grandparents, Hubert and Mary Ellen Jagelewski, John and Katherine Yera.
A time of visitation for Chris is scheduled for Friday, Aug. 2, from 2 to 8 p.m. at Buresh Funeral Home in Tawas City. His Christian funeral service will be held on Saturday, Aug. 3, at 11 a.m. at Buresh Funeral Home in Tawas City with Reverend Gabriel Martin officiating. On Saturday morning from 10 a.m. until the time of the funeral, Chris' family will welcome friends for an additional time of visitation.
Per his wishes, cremation will take place after the funeral service. Those wishing to offer a memorial contribution in memory of Chris may do so to either the Zion Lutheran Church in Tawas City, Alpena Cancer Center, or to Reel to Recovery (www.reelrecovery.org), an organization that sponsors fishing trips specifically for people battling cancer. Chris was able to participate in one of these trips in June of 2024. Online tributes of love and support for Chris' family may be shared at www.bureshfuneralhomes.com.