Christopher John Kerperien (Buffalo)'s Obituary
At the core of Chris Kerperien was love. Love to his many friends and family, but especially to his treasured wife of 22 years, Shawna, and their three beloved daughters, Savanna, Cheyenne and Cailie. Although Chris’s tough exterior would make any elderly woman cling tightly to her purse, he would be the first to win them over with his gentle kindness, selfless love and a heart to put others before himself.
After a wonderful childhood full of love and laughter with his parents, Gerald and Mary Ann Kerperien, and brothers and sisters, Chris graduated high school in Mount Morris, Michigan, and faithfully served his country with the United States Army for 21 years.
Although Chris only lived 42 short years, his energetic, live-life-to-the-fullest attitude held more love and meaning than most men could pack into 80 years. He stayed on the go with hobbies and house renovations - all centered around building quality time with the people he cared about most. Never one to sit on the sidelines, Chris loved many hobbies, including racecar driving, hockey, golf, bow hunting, softball, bowling, and tattoo artistry. And he would do it all with Carmex in his pocket, because God knows he couldn’t go a day without it.
When Chris would slow down, you could find him working on his car with Savanna, online shopping for new Croc charms for he and Cheyenne, or singing Miley Cyrus and dancing with Cailie before crashing on the couch with her blanket. He loved grilling steak and potatoes for dinner. However, an important part of the grilling process included talking about it all day long. He was most known for his honey steaks, which were sweet and tender, much like Chris himself. And while most dads would discourage tattoos, Chris was always helping the girls plan their next tattoo design. Chris loved making Shawna feel loved and cherished; whether buying her a dream Jeep or taking her to multiple Nelly concerts. He did anything to make Shawna happy; and he did make her happy. He made everyone happy. That was who Chris was.
Chris was preceded in death by his father, Gerald Kerperien, in February of 2022. He is survived by his wife, Shawna Kerperien; three daughters, Savanna Kerperien, Cheyenne Kerperien, and Cailie Kerperien; mother, Mary Ann Kerperien; two brothers, Matt Kerperien and wife, Kristi, and his twin, Daniel Kerperien and wife, Stephanie; two sisters, Monaca Elston and husband, Duane, and Jennifer Coutnryman and husband, Bobby; and many more people who loved him and will miss him dearly.
The family will be hosting a Celebration of Life Party in Missouri and Michigan at a later date. The date and times will be announced by the family and through the funeral home website. Finally, the family asks that you honor Chris by eating some pizza, drinking a cold beer, and devouring a bag of Twizzlers. And most importantly, they ask that you please focus on driving the speed limit… because everyone knows Chris couldn’t stand a slow driver.
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