By Jim Meridith
Posted: Updated:
17 Comments
  • Visitation

    Tuesday, April 23, 2024

    from 4:00 to 8:00 pm

    and Wednesday, April 24, 2024

    from 9:00 to 10:45 am

    St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Lebanon, IL.

  • Service

    Mass of Christian Burial

    Wednesday, April 24, 2024

    11:00 am

    St. Joseph’s Catholic Church.

  • Full Obituary

    John A. Christ, 61, of Lebanon, IL, entered into rest on April 19, 2024.  He passed away peacefully at his home, surrounded by his loving family.

    John was born July 6, 1962, in Belleville, IL to Donald and Elizabeth (Nee Fohne) Christ.  He hit the ground-running as an adored son and brother, and his younger years were adventurous with his brothers and loyal friends, John and Sam.  Fate led him to his one and only true love, Terri Bockenfeld, his high school sweetheart, and he became a beloved husband at the age of 18, on March 7, 1981, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Lebanon, IL.  A mere 9 months later he became a devoted father at the age of 19.  His journey continued as he became a successful business owner at the age of 20, with his best friend and brother, Mark.

    John was a proud uncle to dozens of nieces and nephews, an honored in-law to many, and a dedicated grandfather at the age of 46.  He was an unforgettable man who lived a life guided by his appetite for family, fun, and hard work.  Always ready with a helping hand and a playful smile.  His love for his hometown and “the simple life” was nostalgic, and his energy was infectious.  He enjoyed collaborating with, teaching, and mentoring his many co-workers, whom he revered and kept as close as family.  Above all else, he adored his caring wife, a woman who fully exemplifies courage, patience, and love.

    To John’s family, friends, and co-workers: Throughout his illness and until the end he was proud, graceful, kind, hopeful, and positive.  He loved you all. May that inspire us to live life the same way.

    He was preceded in death by his father, Donald Christ; brother, Joseph Christ.

    John is survived by his mother, Elizabeth Christ; loving wife, Terri Christ; children, Lucas (Rebecca) Christ, Julia (Dennis) Jensen, Aaron (Stephanie) Christ; 7 grandchildren, Dennis, Callie, Zoie, Everly, Norah, Julen, Drew; siblings, Mary Jo (John) Pehle, Steven Christ, Donna Christ Seipp, Mark (Carrie) Christ; sister-in-law, Tari Christ; plentiful nieces, nephews, extended family, in-laws and friends.

    In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.

    Visitation: Tuesday, April 23, 2024, from 4:00 to 8:00 pm and Wednesday, April 24, 2024, from 9:00 to 10:45 am at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Lebanon, IL.

    Mass of Christian Burial: Wednesday, April 24, 2024, at 11:00 am, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church.

    Clergy: Father Jim Thomas

    Interment: St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery, Lebanon, IL.

    Meridith Funeral Home, Lebanon, IL.

Condolences are reviewed and published within 24 hours.

17 Condolences
 
  1. Ricky Mangrum / April 20, 2024 at 7:47 pm

    He was one of the most genuine and nice guys. He always listened to your stories with interest. And raised some great children. My thoughts go out to the Christ family and all of his friends in their time of mourning.

  2. Deann Meininger Gorka / April 21, 2024 at 10:38 am

    I went to school with John kindergarten thru graduation. He always greeted everyone with a big smile and chuckley laugh. He always had a happy, positive, and caring attitude towards others. We didn’t know then that later in our life, my youngest son Jimmy would be working for Christ Brothers and have the opportunity of knowing John also the way I did. He will be greatly missed and fondly remembered by all who knew him.

  3. Lynette Cornell / April 21, 2024 at 11:04 am

    Dear Terri and Family ,
    I send you my love and sympathy for the loss of John. He was a wonderful man and will missed by so many friends and family.
    Love, Lynn Cornell

  4. Scott Rhoden / April 21, 2024 at 12:06 pm

    If the world was filled with men like you, it would be a much better place! Your dedication to family, friends, and hard work was unparalleled!

    On behave of the Rhoden family!

    Blessings,

  5. Joni Bastian / April 21, 2024 at 2:14 pm

    Dear Terri and family,

    I am so sorry for your loss. I pray God wraps his arms around you to give you peace.

    With love,

    Joni Bastian

  6. Jon and Pat Suydam / April 21, 2024 at 5:29 pm

    Our condolences to John’s family.

  7. Ruth Brown / April 21, 2024 at 9:31 pm

    Kevin and I are sincerely saddened by the passing of John Christ, but we know he is now truly at peace. John’s life was a life lived to its fullest. A happily marriage, a wonderful family and a loving home were just some of the great things he accomplished. With so many children, and grandchildren, his legacy will live on

  8. Shawna and Cody Weil / April 22, 2024 at 8:55 am

    Cody and I are so incredibly sorry and deeply saddened by the loss of John. He was one of the nicest gentleman we have had the pleasure of knowing. Sending love and prayers to all.

  9. Terri Harms / April 22, 2024 at 9:09 am

    John will be missed. He was a good person. I am so sorry for your loss🙏🙏🙏

  10. Barb Volber / April 22, 2024 at 9:25 am

    Terri and Family, You are all in my thoughts and prayers. I met John in the middle of our 6th grade year. John always had a smile on his face. Everyone was his friend, you will surely be missed my friend. Until we met again.

  11. Mike Boucher / April 22, 2024 at 10:26 am

    Going back to our Belleville Area College days and getting to know John through work, he never changed always a big smile and and even bigger heart. Great Guy and even now pushes me to be a better uncle and grandpa.

    My prayers are with you John & Carrie and all Christ Family!

  12. Suzanne Mohme / April 22, 2024 at 8:52 pm

    So, so sorry to hear this. John was the epitome of how we should live our lives. A great husband, father, grandfather, and always gave back. Jerry and I always looked forward to catching up with him when we came to Lebanon. Teri, you and the rest of your family are in our deepest prayers. — Suzanne and Jerry Mohme

  13. Jim Reimann Family / April 23, 2024 at 4:38 pm

    Our most sincerest sympathies to The Christ Family. John was a great man, to his family, to his hometown and to a stranger. John always had a smile and a kind word. May his family and friends find comfort and strength during this difficult time.
    – The Jim Reimann Family

  14. JoAnn Bockenfeld / April 23, 2024 at 5:23 pm

    John proved that you could be a successful businessman without losing your youthful spark. His sense of humor showed in his fun collections, his constant smile, and the way he interacted with all children. He seemed to enjoy sharing the blessings of his hard work with his large extended family. Gatherings at their house are a delightful honor. My heart breaks for Terri, Luke, Aaron, Julia, John’s mom and all their children and spouses who have lost a man who has always been an example of how a man should be. I pray the wonderful memories override those of these last months and that eventually you can smile without the tears.
    He will be missed by all he knew him.
    JoAnn Bockenfeld

  15. Mike and Sandy Rehkemper / April 23, 2024 at 5:28 pm

    Sympathy and Prayers to the Christ Families And friends 🙏

  16. chuck DeLorme / April 24, 2024 at 9:57 am

    I’m am reminded of 1st Corinthians 13 when I read what others had said of the John Christ. Terry and family have a hard row to hoe but time and prayers will help you through this time. Like all the folks before me have written, John had a wonderful life with family and friends and he always had a smile for you. Keep on smiling and loving those around you just like your John. God Bless y’all as you carry on your John’s legacy of love for all.

  17. Gary L Williams / June 15, 2024 at 7:34 am

    Condolences to the entire family. I felt deep emotion learning John was gone. Saddened to know such a great guy had entered his rest. Look forward to seeing him again, as we all will, during our resurrection. Hold on to all the loving memories until then. Rest well my friend, see you again.

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