"Wow. That's about all I can say right now. Chris was such a great guy and he will obviously be missed. He was an awesome friend who would always share memories of his ball playing days and would always be quick to heed warnings of coaches i would and wouldn't like. He also gave great peices of advice. We all grieve and sorrow his loss, but I'm sure Chris would want us to celebrate his life instead."
In loving memory of
Christopher D. Stoos
November 12, 1983 - March 26, 2005
ROLLINGSTONE, MINN. - Christopher D. Stoos, 21, of Rollingstone, Minn., died Saturday, March 26, 2005.
He was born on November 12, 1983, in Winona, Minn. to Terry and Kathy (Taylor) Stoos. Chris graduated from Winona Senior High School in 2002, where he played baseball. Chris also played baseball for the Winona LeJets and the V.F.W. Buddies. He attended Rochester Community College. Chris enlisted in the United States Army in May of 2004, and was currently stationed at Fort Polk, Louisiana.
Chris was a member of Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Rollingstone. He loved life and touched so many lives through his humor and caring ways. He was often the center of attention in our big family and found numerous ways to entertain and amuse us. Chris delighted in outdoor and recreational activities of all kinds and was extremely proud to serve his country. He was a talented writer and often wrote meaningful poetry about his life and the world around him.
Chris is survived by his parents: Terry and Kathy Stoos of Rollingstone; sisters: Jessica (Merritt) Bebout of Winona, Taylor and Ashley Stoos of Rollingstone; resident family members: Amanda Merchlewitz and Tristen Stevens of Rollingstone and additional foster siblings; paternal grandparents: Harold and Mary Stoos of Rollingstone; maternal grandparents: David and MaryLou Taylor of Ocala, Fla.; great-grandmother, Juanita Regan of Pinnelas Park, Fla.; numerous aunts, uncles and their families: Mike, Kim, Michael, Samantha and Melissa Taylor, Larry, Judy, Joshua, Tammi, Aubrey, Brittany, Kendra, Ahnie, Trey, Carlton and Isaiah Stoos, Brian Bergler, Shitomi and Page Siller, Tychelle Stoos, Hailey Stoos-Mohan, John, Wendy, Daniel, and Brandon Stoos, Blaise, Chase and Rhianna Rothering, Rick, Lisa, Melody, and Aria Snyder, Tiffany, Aaron and Andrew Kuklinski, Joel and Madison Kanz, Curt, Joyce, Jamie, Jonathon and David Wood, Chris, Kelly, Kirsten, Allyssa and Zachary Evans, Dan, Carol, Peter, Laura, Cory and Keana Kalmes, Rich, Joan, Matthew and Stephanie Hall and numerous friends.
There will be a Funeral Mass for Christopher at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 2, 2005, at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Rollingstone with the Rev. Tom Melvin officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery with military honors by the U.S. Army Military Honor's Team. There will be a visitation at Holy Trinity Catholic church from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Friday where there will be a prayer service at 5:00 p.m. Visitation will also be one hour prior to the funeral mass on Saturday at the church. The family prefers memorials to the donor's choice.
Tributes
"Chris often came into the Health Office not because he was ill but because he was looking for someone to talk with. He was usually upset about his friends/girls and looking for answers to whatever problem he was having with them. Chris was true to himself first, loyal to his family and good friend to all. Balancing all three was sometimes difficult for Chris and he needed an adult to reassure him that being misunderstood was okay. He wore his heart on his sleeve, a smile on his lips and a twinkle of mischief in his eyes. He touched many and left a lasting impression. Be proud of your son and the lives that he touched in the short time he was here with us. May Chris enjoy his Field of Dreams."
"We are so sorry to hear about Christopher. Hugs to the family and may the angels rejoice. Grace and peace to all. Love Pete,Phyllis, Chuck,Diane Nuthak"
"I went to elementary school with Chris and graduated with him in 2002. Since then I have moved from Winona to Chicago but there have been so many times I have thought about Chris even after all these years. In my mind I knew that he was happy, always smiling and aspiring for his dreams. I still remember standing neverously next to him in first grade for our class photo and how much fun I had playing with him as a kid growing up. I loved Chris's smile, he could always cheer me up and he had a very positive affect on my life. Chris was my first crush and so he will always have a special place in my heart, he will be missed greatly by me and so many others as well. My prayers, thoughts, and support go out to the Stoos Family and Friends. I pray that God keeps his hand over you and may all of your roads be paved in gold by guardian angels."
"On behalf of my husband and myself our hearts go out to you. My husband was in his section and new him personally. He was a great guy and he will be missed. My husband will always cherish his memories of his brother in arms!! He was a great solider and a great friend. God Bless You and your family... PFC Justin Richardson ( and family) B5/25th FA 4bd/10th Mountain Fort Polk LA.."
"Chris was the one who made everyone smile and that whenever you were down, he'd do something to cheer you up. I will always remember the times we joked around and played baseball with each other. I'm gonna miss you Stoos...."
"We knew Chris briefly through our son John. John played baseball with Chris and the Rollingstone Rox. Chris was a great athlete and a great person. He always had a smile. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. We especially think of Josh and Aubre Stoos who are friends of our kids as well and then Aaron Kuklinski who are not only losing a cousin but a great friend in Chris."
"Everytime I saw Chris he had a huge smile on his face and was always so happy...what great memories of him! Chris could always brighten up someones day with that smile. He will never be forgotten, and my thoughts and prayers go out to family and friends!"
"Chris was someone that I would never see with out a smile on his face. His loving personality will always be remembered. My thoughts and prayers are with everyone who knew Chris."
"Chris stayed with us when he was home for Christmas. After a few days of Chris and Andy refusing our invites to eat with us, we found 6 or 7 empty pizza boxes. Andy would wake up in the morning to Chris saying "berakfast is ready, Kurt" and would be standing there with a hot pizza. I remember we told them they shouldn't eat pizza for every meal and they said "its all good." The two of them were such great friends, and they were right, it was all good.We'll miss you Chris. We love you."
"Memories of Chris go all the way back to us growing up. He was best friends with my brother, and like another brother to me. He always knew how to make you laugh and could put a smile on everyones face. Chris was a strong person at heart and was proud of who he was and what he stood for. Everyone can find a little piece of Chris in their hearts, and he will never be forgotten. My thoughts and prayers go out to the family everyone who knew Chris."
"Chris really was a true all around great person! He was a true gem. We will never forget the awesome memories we have of Chris. He will be forever in our hearts and never forgotten! Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone."
"Chris will always be in our hearts and we will never forget any of the great memories we have of him. He was always one that would stand up for us as if we were little sisters to him. We always knew we could count on him to be there with a smile on his face when we needed him. We will never forget Chris and the great happiness that he brought to our lives. Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone."
"It was no mistake why Chris knew so many people. He was one of those guys who could make you feel comfortable and was one of the most loyal people that I have ever come in contact with. He never forgot where he came from and would stick up for the people that he cared for the most. I grew up with Chris, and he was more than just a teammate, classmate, or someone who lived in my neighborhood...he was a friend, a friend that I have so many early memories with. Chris will never leave my thoughts. I will attempt to look beyond my sadness and try to find the capacity to feel fortunate enough just to have known such a quality person who never stopped smiling. Thanks for the memories Chris...Rollingstone Rox baseball and wiffle ball are part of my youth, and so was your friendship."