Christopher Dreger

CHAMPAIGN - Christopher Dreger, 44, of Champaign passed away peacefully on Friday, Nov. 1, 2024, at University of Chicago Medical Center, after a long illness.

Chris lived a full life, enjoying every moment of what it had to offer.

Born July 8, 1980, at Jarman Hospital in Tuscola, he attended Humboldt school and Mattoon Junior High School before his family moved to Champaign. After graduating from Centennial High School, he attended Parkland Community College.

He thoroughly enjoyed the hospitality/restaurant business, becoming a manager at various restaurants and bars in New Orleans and California: Antioch, Oakland and San Francisco. Anyone who ever met Chris could tell you he had a unique passion for people, making many great friends and acquaintances. He also spent some time traveling with friends, visiting many of the national parks across the Western states with his Australian Border Collie, Dexter. Friends would often say he was never at a loss for a quick joke or whimsical comment, always putting a smile on everyone's face. Generous and compassionate, he helped repair appliances for residents in the Ninth Ward of New Orleans for little or nothing. He once helped a young man receive his GED, thus keeping him off the streets and always stood up for what was right.

Chris is survived by his former wife, Brittany McLaughlin; brother, Mike (Melody) Dreger; nephew, Sam; aunt, Stacy Dreger; uncle, Doug (Jean) Myers; several cousins; and his parents, Calvin and Marsha Dreger.

Funeral arrangements are being handled by Central Cremation Center, and donations may be made to the family in Chris' name.