Christopher Hirlinger
Christopher M. Hirlinger passed away suddenly on September 5, 2019 at the age of 54. He was born in St. Louis, MO on December 27, 1964 to Kenneth A. and Jacqueline (Dillree) Hirlinger.
He was predeceased by his father, his brother, Kenneth S. Hirlinger, his Hirlinger and Dillree grandparents, and his Hirlinger uncles.
Chris is lovingly remembered by his mother, Jacqueline Wiseman of Godfrey, IL, his sister, Susan (James) Elliott, niece, Jennifer Elliott, nephew, Jordan Elliott, sister-in-law, Laura (Ken) Hirlinger, niece, Nina Berenato and many Hirlinger, Sickles, and Dillree cousins all of St. Louis and beyond. He is also survived by his Poker Pals, and many close friends from Holy Redeemer Grade School, especially Neil Curtin and John Consiglio, and from Christian Brothers College, and Meramec Community College.
A friend said, “It is hard to say goodbye to a friend, especially one you have known since childhood and shared a lot of memories and stories from where you grew up (in Webster Groves). Goodbye, Chris, your humor, stories, and companionship will be missed by many who have known you.”
Visitation will be held at St. Louis Cremation, 2135 Chouteau Avenue, St. Louis, Mo on Friday, October 4, 2019 from 1 until 4 p.m. with Memorial Service following.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent to St. Louis Police BackStoppers at The BackStoppers, Inc., P. O. Box 795168, St. Louis, MO, 63179-0700.
This was a beautiful tribute to Chris Hirlinger. I pray God will surround the family with His Love. Christine Bramstedt
I love you Susie, Jenn, Jim, and Jordy❤️
While I haven’t seen him grade school, I was very saddened to hear of his passing. God Bless you all,
Mary Hattrich Roberts
Beautiful tribute to the “ gentle giant “ Chris. I am blessed to have known Chris growing up at Holy Redeemer. I wish you eternal peace old friend.
Love, Karen Franke
I’m glad I got the chance to visit with him a bit at our grade school reunion this past June. While we lost touch after grade school, he is someone I will always remember with a smile.
May God bless Chris and all of who loved him.
Barbara Carpentier Byrd
Chris and I went to Holy Redeemer together. But few knew that Chris and I worked together many years later as he was our dispatcher for our fixed-wing ambulance. He made sure my flights went safe and we returned without incident. Thank you my friend. I know you’re still watching over me. Rest in the arms of our loving God and savior. You’re the one with wings now. We will never forget you.
What beautiful pictures ! Big Chris I only knew as an adult what a beautiful and perfect image of a happy child ???? as well. You brought so many smiles to our family ????thank you
Our hearts go out to you at the loss of such a beautiful human being. His eyes say it all.
Wow. I still cannot believe Chris is gone and we didn’t get to say “bye.” We always thought of him as “the glue” that held our larger group of friends together—he made sure everyone was included whenever something was happening. My kids knew him as “Uncle Chris” and made sure THEY got to see him if we went too long without a visit. He was taken from us much too soon.
When I think of Chris it always makes me smile. Although we lost touch as I moved away from Webster Groves I will always think of him as a brother, sleep overs popcorn and soda, running the streets with our Elmwood gang. He is gone way to soon but not forgotten. My prayers are with you Suzy and Mom Hirlinger.
Well geez. . .I can’t believe Chris is gone. Such a shame. It was great to see him again over the summer, along with everyone else from Holy Redeemer. I’m sure everyone thought the same thing, that it was really great to see Chris again. He was always such a smiling, happy guy. It was definitely contagious. I have lots of great memories of Chris from our time growing up together. I will miss you buddy!
Dear Jackie, Suzie and Chris’ many friends,
I’m so thrilled that I saw Chris at the 40th HRS reunion! He’s still the sweet and lovable guy that he was as a kid. We had fun talking about his many and varied life adventures. He spoke fondly of the poker guys–the support and camaraderie you enjoyed with each other–he treasured your friendships. A gentle giant with warm, caring eyes. I’m so glad, Chris, we had some time together at the reunion. May you rest in the loving arms of God. Peace. Sr. Kathleen, your old Principal.
I first met Chris while doing theatre at Meramec. I considered him a friend all these years later.
While I won’t be able to attend his service, my heart will be present.
Fly high, dear one. You will be missed.
Chris was my classmatenat CBC.Im glad to know the he was loved. RIP