Christopher "Chris" Glenn Church, 58, of Cedar Rapids, died Monday, September 12, 2022 at UnityPoint Health-Saint Luke's Hospital following a short, but courageous fight with pancreatic cancer.  His family was by his side.

A celebration of Chris's life will be at 11:00 A.M. Saturday, September 24 ^th at Papich-Kuba Funeral Home East, 1228 2 ^nd Street S.E.  Visitation will begin at 10:00 A.M. at the funeral home.  Private interment will be at the Czech National Cemetery at a later date.

Chris is survived by his sister, Deb Berg (Eric), Fairfax and his brother, Harry Fields, Las Vegas, Nevada; best friend and soul mate, Julie Mehl, Cedar Rapids; other close family, Richie, Caron and Danyka; guardian angel, Cindy Mehl, to whom the family is forever grateful for her love, care and patience as Chris found his path.  He is also survived by many nieces and nephews and his cousin, Rick Stroud to whom he was very close.  He also leaves behind his sweet dogs, Benji and Owen whom he adored.

Chris was preceded in death by his parents; grandparents; brothers, Douglas Fields Jr. and Randy Dean Fields; niece, Chantel Ranae Fields; Diana (Nana) Bennington; and his best childhood friend, Mike Nippie and beloved pets, Fritz and Buddy.

Chris was born October 31, 1963 in Cedar Rapids, the son of LeRoy and Bessie (Franks) Church.  He was married to Julie Mehl on May 20, 1989 in Cedar Rapids.  They were later divorced, but remained very close friends.

Chris worked for the City of Cedar Rapids in the sanitation and sewer departments and later in the engineering department where he made many lifelong friends.  Later, in retirement, he said that he was living his best life buying and selling diamonds.  Chris enjoyed gambling, playing cards, spending time with family and friends, his dog Benji and his stepdog Owen.  He took great delight in pranks and teasing people, especially his sister.  He could make friends with anyone and always had a big smile and a very distinct and infectious laugh.

Chris loved to help other people as he felt that he had been given so much in life.  He was kind, sweet and funny.  He was very proud of all that he had overcome in the past few years.  His family and friends were very proud of him also.  Faced with cancer, he showed nothing but courage and dignity.

Chris lived his life on his terms and was happy and fulfilled, having few regrets.  He was so loved and will be deeply missed by many.

The family requests that those attending Chris's celebration of life dress very casually as Chris would have.

Chris's family wishes to express their heart felt gratitude and appreciation for the care and support he received from Unity Point-St. Luke's 6 ^th floor staff.  He was so  fond of all of them.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to Chris's family.