Christopher J. Meier

CHRISTOPHER J. MEIER

Seaside, Calif.

The world lost its shine October 13, 2021, the day Chris left us. Chris was born May 12, 1982, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. He changed the world in just 39 years without really setting out to do so.

A picture in Chris's California home exemplified his life: Work Hard and Be Nice to People. If you are one of those people lucky enough to know Chris, you know he was kind and worked hard at anything he set his mind to. Growing up as "The Strong Willed Child" and always doing things his way, he surprisingly joined the Marine Corps in 2002 with one of his best friends. He served from 2002-2006, was then recalled in 2007-2008 and deployed to Iraq where his company suffered a terrible loss of lives. PTSD and depression plagued Chris for many years. However, most days you would never know it. Never having children of his own, Chris was the Funcle ….. the fun uncle. He could be found at family gatherings hanging out and playing with his many (14!) nieces and nephews. He had the ability to bounce between a serious adult and a kid at heart. He was an avid gamer and card player, navigating life with a competitive, fun spirit. We will all miss his great dance moves, his famous smile and laugh, his enchiladas and monster cookies. Chris embodied the Marine Corps motto, "Semper Fi" as he was fiercely loyal and faithful. He was always there if you needed to talk or needed to laugh. He would fight your battles or tell you what he really thought!

Chris is lovingly remembered by his mother and stepfather, Victoria and Robert Bauman; father, Timothy E. Meier; stepmother, Diana Armbruster; siblings, Michelle, Timothy J., and Andrew (Angie) Meier, John Bauman, Alethea (Will) Hein, Kathryn (Ben) Simon and William (Leslie) Rhomberg; along with all of his nieces, nephews, great-niece, aunts, uncles and cousins.

Chris was preceded in death by his brother, Adam Fitzsimmons; uncle, Joe Sindelar; and his grandparents.

We love you son, brother, uncle, nephew, cousin, friend and fellow Marine. You were so much to so many. Chris, may you find the peace you sought while we continue to search for peace with you gone. We ask that the tragedy of losing someone we love be an opportunity and reminder to reach out and stay connected to the people in your life. Sometimes, all that is needed when we sense someone is in distress, is the simple question: Is everything ok?

A Memorial Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 6, at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Marion, Iowa, with a luncheon to follow. Burial will be at Mt. Calvary Cemetery at 2 p.m. with military honors. The direct link for Chris's funeral mass is youtu.be/c305FnWb4DA.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to makeitok.org/iowa; or Marine toysfortots.org.