Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Chris Kasch Obituary
Chris R. Kasch, PhD
November 25, 1952 – August 27, 2024
SAINT PETERSBURG, Florida - Chris Randall Kasch, PhD of St. Petersburg, FL, passed away peacefully holding his wife's hand.
Apart from his time in graduate school at University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, until his retirement to Florida, Chris spent his entire life in the Bloomington-Normal area. He leaves behind his loving wife, Tracy; his stepson, Jacob Cheli; two brothers: Bruce (Candy) and John Kasch. He was preceded in death by his father, Phillip Wayne Kasch, and mother, Roberta M. Kasch.
Chris had a saying that he often repeated to Tracy, "I do one thing, I do it very well, and then I move on!" He embodied that saying...
He did one thing, lived. Lived with bravery, overcoming health challenges that would leave most of us cowering. He lived enthusiastically, vivaciously, honorably, loudly, loyally, and with an incredible sense of humor. Not one day any person was with him did they not laugh out loud at least once. For locals, you may have seen him dancing through the aisles at Jewel singing "The Bare Necessities!"
Chris lived very well. He was a lifelong friend to many, travelled decadently, he always found the best restaurants and beaches. He touched thousands of lives as an author of textbooks, workshops, and as a professor at Illinois Wesleyan, Bradley University, and later teaching online. He was a romantic, attentive, and loving husband. As a father, he was strong, wise, and compassionate. He loved all things big and had a passion for Great Danes. He was in service to Mya, Tessa, MoJo, Beardy Boy, Zoe, and finally Reo. We would be remiss if we didn't mention Spike Jones the Boxer who accompanied him to University of Illinois.
Now Chris moves on with love, dignity, and the immense respect of many people whose lives he touched. He made a profound impact on the world, and he leaves an enormous hole in the hearts of his family and friends.
A private service will be held on the Gulf of Mexico, sailing at sunset, with immediate family. In lieu of flowers, the Kasch Family would be honored by donations made on behalf of Chris' memory to his latest cause Family Center on Deafness, Largo, FL (fcdpinellas.orgonate).
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Chris Kasch
5 Entries
Bob Jacobs
September 24, 2024
Chris was quite simply the best of us at Bradley.
Lori Luthy
September 5, 2024
I had the honor of being a student in Dr. Kasch's 400 level Com class. He was just a wonderful instructor. I think of all the classes I've taken at Bradley, his was the one I remember and use the most. He based it on Neil Postman's book "Amusing Ourselves to Death." What a loss! My deepest sympathy to your family.
Sue Mischler
September 4, 2024
Chris was one of the many reasons I enjoyed working in the COM Department at Bradley. With his booming voice and quoting "Wimpy" from the Popeye cartoons of the 1960s, he would say ... "I'll gladly pay you Tuesday for a red pen (or whatever he needed, instead of 'hamburger') today."
Chris will be remembered for the humor he brought to everyday life. He lifted my spirits many times, and now I lift in prayer all those who need an extra measure of comfort right now.
Sandra Schaller
September 2, 2024
My sympathies to the family,especially to those I was happy to know personally. A great man has gone on.
Ed and Marcy James
September 1, 2024
Chris was always a loyal friend. His since of humor (sometimes sarcastic) always made me laugh and always made me think. He had a wonderfully smart mind that could look at a situation from several angles and quickly figure out a solution. Seventeen years after high school I introduced him to my next door neighbor. A couple of years later they were married and it was great for both of them and Jake. I have lost contact since they moved to Florida but have heard of his successes through the years. He touched a lot of people in a good way and I was one of them. Ed James and Marcy
Showing 1 - 5 of 5 results
Make a Donation
in Chris Kasch's name
Memorial Events
for Chris Kasch
How to support Chris's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Chris Kasch's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
