Christopher McAninch

Christopher Jon McAninch, age 62, of Willmar, and formerly of Kandiyohi, passed away Tuesday evening, April 28, at Carris Health Rice Therapy Suites in Willmar following an extended illness.

A celebration of life service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 8, at the Tripolis Evangelical Lutheran Church Cemetery near Kandiyohi.  No lunch will be served.  Please bring your own favorite lawn chair and beverage.  Arrangements are with Peterson Brothers Funeral Home in Willmar. www.petersonbrothers.com

Christopher Jon McAninch was born on August 8, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, the son of Lloyd and Darleen (Nelson) McAninch.   He was baptized and confirmed at Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Circle Pines.  Practicing his faith was an important part of his life, he quietly determined to follow Jesus.  Christopher was involved with Boy Scouts starting when he was a youth participant, then also a camp counselor, and continued as a merit badge counselor as an adult.  He graduated from Centennial High School in 1975, and then went on to study theatre, graduating from Concordia College in 1979.

His work was as varied as the theater roles he played.  He dedicated himself equally and wholeheartedly to the task at hand whether he was remodeling/restoring houses, selling products and maintaining inventory, directing traffic, or actually working in the theatrical productions he loved.  It was this work at The Barn Theatre that brought him to live in the Willmar area.

Christopher was most happy spending time outdoors, especially near the water.  He treasured the time spent fishing with friends, and the many bonfire nights.

He saw the value in many items others had cast aside, and loved refurbishing, or repurposing items.  He could easily replace a window, paint the trim, and fix up the curtains to go with it.  All as a weekend project.

He enjoyed being a mentor, passing on wisdom and knowledge gained from his own experiences.  At the same time he was eager to be mentored, to learn new things from others, always growing and looking to improve.

Christopher knew how to spend time well, whether at work, at rest, or at play. Many long discussions about books, or movies, music to accompany whatever the activity of the day, his exuberance and creative spirit will be missed.

He is survived by his siblings, Cathi McBryde , Cary, Collin (Linda Black), and Camie Bloomer (Jason); nieces and nephews, Matthew, Amelia and Patrick McBryde, Nathanial, Talia and Josiah Bloomer; besides many friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Carter.