Karl M. Christ

Karl M. “Mr. Toots” Christ, 70, of Union died Sunday, November 4, 2018 at Centegra Huntley Hospital from complications of West Nile Virus. He was born on January 17, 1948 in Elgin, the son of Fred and Helen (Sedlack) Christ. A 1966 graduate of Marengo High School, he went on to study mathematics at the University of Illinois and then transferred to the University of Florida and later Florida State University. After several years of enjoying the Florida fun and sun, Karl returned home to Union to lend a helping hand on the family farm. He found enjoyment hosting in-home party sales for Living Home Hydroponic Plants and would have his items exhibited at the local fairs and festivals. While doing this he met his companion and best friend, Jean Hunt. Together they expanded their business to food concessions, first with Tootsie’s Fine Food (1982 – present) and Horizon Food Service, operating all the food concessions for all NIU athletic events from 1994- 2006. Karl was an avid gardener who spent hours working and weeding, he took pride in his yard and planted several types of fruit-bearing trees and flowers all while cheering on his beloved Chicago White Sox. Karl and Jean were known to fly to Las Vegas for weeks to play BINGO at their favorite casinos and hop into a slot tournament between sessions. Lately, on weekends you could find Karl bidding on random items at an auction or finding the best deals at local garage sales. The family wishes to extend a heartfelt thank you to the many friends and family that took the time to see or pray for Karl during his illness and to the Tootsie crew for always helping at a moment’s notice. We especially want to thank Dr. Tanveer Ahmad, Dr. Heeren Patel and Karl’s ICU nurse Meghan, your kind, sincere and to-the-point ways were a true blessing and much appreciated. Karl is survived by his children, Erika (Jason) Freund and Brian (Patricia) Hunt; grandchildren, Dylan Jo, Paxtyn, Layne; Britny, Andrea and Zoe; 4 great-grandchildren; sisters-in-law; Karen (Steven) Reed, Karla (Tim) Brikowski; nieces and nephews, Rick, Steven and Barbara Rothweiler, Mary Baxendale, Kyle and Chris Reed, Jimmy and RJ Riley; several cousins and many feline companions. He was preceded in death by his wife, Jean in 2015; his parents, siblings, Marita, Ken and Kathy and special daughter, Stacey Parker. Visitation Monday, November 12, 2018, from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. at St. John Lutheran Church, 6821 Main Street, Union with a service beginning at Noon. Interment will be held in Union Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the family for a fund to be established.

Karl M. Christ

January 17, 1948 - November 4, 2018