Christopher R. Birkholz, of Chesterton, passed away Feb. 21, 2007 at 2:18 a.m. in Chesterton. He was 38.

He was born January 27, 1969 in Michigan City, to Robert E. and Kathleen (Yanke) Birkholz.

On October 10, 2003 in Michigan City, he married Patricia Awald who survives in Chesterton.

Also surviving are a daughter, Chloe Birkholz of Michigan City; a son, Christian Birkholz of Michigan City; two step-sons, Joshua Lockard of Chesterton, and Jarett Pearce of Chesterton; his mother, Kathleen Birkholz of Michigan City; a sister, Michelle Birkholz of Trail Creek; a niece, Haley and a nephew, Hayden.

He was preceded in death by his father, Robert E. Birkholz and grandparents, George and Virginia Yanke.

Christopher was a Crane Operator for 10 years at Mittal Steel, Burns Harbor. He was a former member of the Izaak Walton League, Michigan City. He loved to fish, was very musically talented, and was an Auctioneer and former member of the Auctioneer’s Association

Funeral services, James Geleske officiating, will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 24, at Ott/Haverstock Funeral Chapel, 418 Washington St., Michigan City Cremation will follow services and ashes interred privately in Heckman Cemetery, Heston.

Visitation will be from 4-8 p.m. Friday and 9-10 a.m. Saturday at the Ott/Haverstock Funeral Chapel.

Contributions may be made to Independent Cat Society, 4061 S. County Line Rd., Westville, IN 46391. To sign a guestbook and leave condolences online visit the Web at www.otthaverstock.com

Posted 2/22/2007