Christopher James Hultgren, 40, died at his home on August 31, 2016 after a difficult battle with addiction.
Visitation will be held from 5-8pm, Thursday, September 8, 2016 at Northview ~ North Mankato Mortuary (2060 Commerce Drive, North Mankato, MN 56003). Funeral service will be 11am, Friday, September 9, 2016 at Northview with visitation one hour prior. Guests are invited to a meal following the service. Please share a memory with Chris’ family online at www.mankatomortuary.com.
Memorials are preferred, in lieu of flowers or plants.
Chris was born on December 21, 1975 in St. Paul, MN to Ann (Brinkman) and Greg Hultgren. Chris graduated from Lake Crystal Wellcome Memorial High School in 1994. He also attended Minnesota State University - Mankato and Ridgewater College in Willmar, MN. In 2006, Chris married Jessica Trom. They had 3 sons, Mason (8), Gage (6) and Tyrus (4). Chris was employed at Flint Hills Resources in Rosemount, MN.
Chris is lovingly remembered by his family, friends, and colleagues as a man who loved to laugh and make others laugh. His great stories, brazen wit, and infectious giggle allowed him to make friends everywhere he went. He had an uncanny ability to create lasting nicknames for all his favorite people. Chris found great enjoyment in life’s simple pleasures: campfires, little league, playing cards, hunting, fishing, fantasy football, and the comforts of home. If he wasn’t at work, Chris would don his signature attire—overalls.
Chris’ three sons were the center of his universe and nothing brought him greater joy. He lovingly dubbed them “The Big Ticket”, “Meat” and “B.B.T.Y”, collectively, the 3HB. Chris loved taking them to the zoo, wrestling, baseball, Cub Scouts, and White Castle. Every night, he made a point to tell each of the 3HB, “I love you and I’m proud of you”.
Chris is preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, James and Pearl Hultgren; maternal grandmother, Lathea Brinkman; uncle, Jeffrey Hultgren; and father-in-law, Darrel Trom.
He is survived by his sons, Mason, Gage and Tyrus Hultgren; wife, Jessica; mother, Ann Freier; siblings, Lisa (Jason) Haban, Bradley (Jenny) Freier, Kate Freier, James Hultgren, Gregory Hultgren, Jr., Todd Hultgren; stepfather, Jerome Freier; as well as his grandparents, Merle Brinkman and Dee & Ernie Freier. Three nieces and two nephews will greatly miss their crazy Uncle Chris. Chris is also survived by many aunts, uncles, cousins, and amazing friends who he dearly loved.
