Christopher Stranik

Christopher J. Stranik, age 26 of Mankato, died Tuesday, June 8, 2010.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, June 12, 2010 at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Mankato with Rev. John Kunz officiating. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery in Mankato. Visitation will be held from 4 " 8 p.m., Friday at Mankato Mortuary with a prayer service at 8 p.m. Visitation will be one hour before the service at the church on Saturday. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the LeSueur Country Club or the Boy Scouts of America.

Christopher was born August 29, 1983 in Denver, Colorado to Gary and Rebecca (Garver) Stranik. As a family, they moved to Mankato in 1986. He was on the soccer and downhill skiing teams at Mankato East. He was a member of Boy Scout Troop 54, and received his Eagle Scout at the age of 15. After high school, he attended the University of Portland for one year and returned to Mankato to be near his family. He graduated from Minnesota State University, Mankato in 2006 with a degree in finance.

Christopher worked as an indirect account manager for Verizon in the Midwest MN territory. While in college, he worked for Dave Pfeffer Construction and was very handy and helpful on various construction projects for family and friends.

Some of his most memorable moments were traveling to Notre Dame Football games and early Saturday morning tee times at LeSueur with his Dad. In addition, he spent his free time riding his Harley, playing cards, and duck and goose hunting with his friends. Chris loved the Pacific Northwest and was always there for everyone. There was nothing that Chris was afraid of and was just 5 hours away from obtaining his pilot license. He loved his niece Addie and was anticipating the addition of another niece in October. In addition to family and friends, Chris will be sadly missed by his three dogs, Bailey, Eva, and Mo.

Christopher is survived by his parents, Gary and Becki Stranik of Mankato; two sisters, Ashley Benson and her husband, Tyler of Mankato, Brittany Stranik and her special friend, Trevor Penning of Mankato; niece, Addisyn Benson; grandmothers, Geneva Garver of Mankato, Viola Stranik of Olympia, WA; aunts and uncles, Janet and Jim Hughart, Alene Stranik, Dennis and Susan Stranik, Judy and Gary Wangsmo, Michael and Jennifer Stranik; many cousins and friends; and former wife, Nicole. Christopher was preceded in death by his grandfathers, Marvin Garver and Alfred Stranik.