Bok, Christopher John

Christopher John Bok, 44, of North Liberty, died Sunday, May 29, 2011, after living each day to the fullest and giving the gift of humor to everyone he met. A celebration of Chris' life will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday at St. Thomas More Catholic Church in Coralville.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Miracle Burn Camp, c/o The Burn Treatment Center, c/o Alison Pauley, 200 Hawkins Dr., Iowa City, IA 52242. Lensing Funeral & Cremation Service in Iowa City is handling arrangements.

Chris was born in Iowa City, Iowa, on August 29, 1966, to Barbara Bok and John Brumley. He was later adopted by his beloved mentor and father, Paul Bok, and he began his adventurous life as a green beret's son. Chris grew up in Iowa, Chicago, North Carolina, Germany and Ayer, Mass., where he graduated high school and immediately followed in his father's footsteps and chose to serve his country in the Air Force.

Chris found his true calling in 1985 as a firefighter, first for the Air Force and then in 1993, he became an integral part of the Iowa City Fire Department. He quickly became a lieutenant and loved to teach and guide his other firefighter co-workers, so he became the training officer for two years, until he missed the calls so much he had to get back on an engine company. He loved EMS, and the challenge of attacking a fire. He was known for his professionalism and for being first out the door and first on scene! He loved his career and co-workers until 2009.

But, he would not be deterred by his illness. He played softball, volleyball, rode his motorcycle, went to see his beloved Dallas Cowboys, welded sculptures, went to Sturgis, raced RC cars and fished with his uncle Jerry. He taught his son to play football, his daughter to golf and was always there as the handyman for his eldest stepdaughter. He showed his wife and family how much he loved them every day.

When it became apparent he could no longer ride his motorcycle or drive his jeep, his wife said “buy something practical.” So, he bought a Mustang on eBay, with nitrous and 410 gearing, and they flew to New York and drove it home on Valentine's Day! He had a speeding ticket by March. Chris was not consumed about all that he had lost - but placed the emphasis on all that he had.

Chris is survived by his wife, Karen, and children Elizabeth, Jane and Wyatt; his mother, Barb of North Liberty; his life long friend, Kevin (Kim) Galske; his father, John (Mona) Brumley of Riverside; sister, Diane (Curt) Beckler of Tiffin; aunts and uncles, Jerry (Linda) Brumley of Iowa City, Jerry (Bonnie) Ford, Iowa City, Denny (Ute) Ford, Rome, Italy, and Linda (Phil) Mattingly, Mesa, Ariz.; great-aunt, Alice Long of Chicago; grandmother, Mary Ford of Iowa City; cousin, Natalie; mother-in-law, Sharon Arbogast of Iowa City; father-in-law, Robert (Ricky) Arbogast of Cedar Rapids; sister-in-law, Lisa (Daryl) Schepanski of Anamosa; brothers-in law, Eric (Annette) Arbogast and Karl (Chris) Arbogast, both of Virginia; nieces, Megan, Chloe, Rachel, Brittney, Allison and Heidi; nephews, Curran, Kevin, Kyle, Nicolas and Ben; and many other family and friends who Chris was so grateful to have.

“My life's been full, I savored much, good friends, good times, a loved one's touch. Perhaps my time seemed all too brief. Don't lengthen it now with undue grief. Lift up your hearts and peace to thee, God wanted me now. He set me free.”

Chris was preceded in death by his father, Paul Bok; a brother, Scott Brumley; and a special grandfather, Ed Brumley.

Online condolences may be directed to .