Jeffrey R. Christ
- Visitation Dates and Times
Wednesday, July 23, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
- Visitation Location
St. Mary’s Catholic Church ~ Carlyle
- Service Date
Wednesday, July 23, 2025
- Service Time
1:00 p.m.
- Service Location
St. Mary’s Catholic Church ~ Carlyle
- Full Obituary
Jeffrey R. Christ, age 66, of Breese, passed away Thursday, July 17, 2025, at HSHS St. Joseph’s Hospital in Breese.
He was born October 31, 1958, in Belleville, a cherished son of Ronald and Joan, nee Burk, Christ and they survive in Lebanon.
In addition to his parents, Jeff is survived by his loving wife, Karen (nee Voss) Christ of Breese. The couple were united in marriage on November 3, 2000, in Belleville. Jeff was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend. He leaves behind a large and loving family: children Amber (Jake Maggard) Christ of Kansas City, MO; Ronnie (Angela) Christ of Shiloh; Keil (Randi) Frey of St. Jacob; Kourtney (Ray) Willich of O’Fallon; Autumn (Tommy) Patton of Lebanon; Kolten (James) Frey-Croft of Brighton, UK; Krystal (Tony) Rickhoff of Bartelso; Kane (Alicia) Frey of Beaver Prairie; and Jade Christ of Tuscaloosa, AL.
He was a proud and doting grandfather to Penelope Maggard, Tristen Jeffrey, and Alyssa Christ, Hunter, Blake, and Lexi Frey, Haeley Willich, Karter Kerr, and Kade Willich, Lily, Mikayla, and Jack Schomaker, Piper and Molly Patton, Reed and Kruz Rickhoff, Brynlee Keserauskis and Levi Frey.
Jeff is also survived by his siblings, Terry (LaDonna) Christ of Belleville, Lisa (Jim) Pier of Lebanon, Scott (Karen) Christ of Lebanon, and Susan (Cole) Gaebe of Addieville; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Leonard and Betty (nee Rakers) Voss of Beaver Prairie; as well as numerous sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Sharon (Gene) Bickl of Jamestown, Laurie (Kevin) Pollmann of Trenton, Michelle (Randy) Buehne of St. Rose, Russell (Angie) Voss of Germantown, Julie (Doug) Beckemeyer of Breese, Matthew (Holle) Voss of Bartelso, Amy (Karl) Abert of Breese, Chad (Tara) Voss of Carlyle, and Tina Voss of St. Rose as well as nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews who all held a special place in his heart.
He was preceded in death by brothers-in-law Steven Voss and Klinten Voss, and a beloved nephew, Brayden Voss.
Jeff had a deep passion for his work and spent part of his career with the Illinois Transportation Archaeological Research Program, a role he genuinely loved. He later retired from the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 520 in Granite City. A dedicated union member, Jeff was also a faithful member of St. Felicitas Catholic Church in Beaver Prairie and the Singers in Lebanon.
Jeff was a man of stories, passion, and pride. He had a gift for enhanced storytelling that could captivate a room. He found joy in side-by-side rides, boating, muscle cars, and even mowing grass. Above all, Jeff treasured time with his family and friends. He was endlessly proud of his children, and adored his grandchildren, who lovingly called him “Grandpa Christ.”
A deeply patriotic man, Jeff held a strong respect for the military. He was incredibly proud of his son, Ronnie, for his service in the Navy and his daughter and son-in-law, Kourtney and Ray, for their service in the Air Force. His pride in country and family was evident in many conversations.
Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be Wednesday, July 23, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Carlyle with Fr. James Buerster and Fr. George Mauck concelebrating.
Visitation will be Wednesday, July 23, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Carlyle.
In lieu of flowers, plants, and other gifts, memorials may be made to the wishes of the family (checks payable to Karen Christ) and will be received at the visitation or by mail, Moss Funeral Home, 535 N 5th St. Breese, IL 62230, who is serving the family.
