Christopher Anthony "Chris" Bartunek

Christopher "Chris" Anthony Bartunek, age 53, of Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan died at his home on Sunday, August 18, 2024. He was born November 29, 1970, in Sault Ste. Marie to Karen (Belleau Bartunek) Palmer and Randloph Bartunek.
Chris grew up on the south side of town in a neighborhood rich with kids and great childhood pastimes such as BMX bikes, kick the can, marbles, softball, kickball, and sports cards to name a few. At the age of fourteen, Chris set his sights on a motorized bike. He asked Grandpa Norman for a job at the Soo Co-op Grocery Store, following in the footsteps of his father and his uncles. Chris began his lifelong career and love for the grocery industry. He started as a "bagger" in an era when packing customer's bags and bringing them to their car was customary. Chris became a mainstay at the Soo Co-op Grocery Store, the same as his grandfather. Chris ultimately moved to Pat's Foods (previously Soo Super-Valu). People always enjoyed seeing Chris at work. He had a smile and a joke of some sort. He took pride in his work; his stocking skills were impeccable. He cared about people, and he cared about "his stores". He may have had struggles, but his loyalty ran deep. His work career was finished a bit ago, but he still called family to share the weekly specials at Pat's Foods.
Chris loved dogs and had several special furry friend companions over the years, most recently he had Ace by his side. Chris loved to fish; he and his long-time pup Mattie could be found casting a line by the power canal together. He also enjoyed the family cabin on the big lake. Chris had a goal to be a homeowner, and he became the proud owner of our long-standing Murphy family home. Extended family loved seeing how he decorated for the holidays, bringing the home back to life. He took pride in his home and was loved in his neighborhood community. Chris was also a passionate and long-standing MI fan. When people talk about Chris, they all use the term "kind". He appreciated people and he had a great heart. There has been such an outpouring of support from those who have been touched by knowing Chris. A beautiful statement to a kind soul.
Chris is survived by his mother and stepfather, Karen and Henry Palmer; father and stepmother, Randy and Karen Bartunek; sister, Lauri Bartunek; niece and nephew, Jennifer Brown (Glenn Wallis Jr.) and Justin Brown; great niece, Quinn Alford. He is also survived by many cousins and step siblings and Ed Caster who has been like family to Chris for as long as we remember.
Please join us in celebrating Chris at the Family Life Funeral Home at 4951 S. M-129 in the Sault on Friday, August 23, 2024, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM with a service at 7:00 PM. Please come casual and in your U of M attire if you have it.
Memorial donations may be made in Chris's name to the Chippewa County Animal Shelter, 3660 S. Mackinac Trail, Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan.
Condolences may be made to the Family Life Funeral Homes @ www.familylifefh.com