Chris P. Grisham

Born December 4, 1963 in Peoria to Barnett and Rosalie (Parry) Grisham. He married the love of his life Michelle Wantiez on May 17, 1984 in Peoria. Starting from a blind date, they beat the odds and raised a beautiful family and were happily married for almost 40 years. She survives.

Also surviving are his parents; two daughters, LynnRae (Scott) Swanson of Mapleton and Taelor Grisham of Peoria; three grandchildren, Luke Allen Swanson, Ty Patrick Grisham and Hank Barnett Swanson; two brothers, Mark (Kimberly) Grisham of Creve Coeur and Terrill (Tricia) Grisham of East Peoria; one brother-in-law, Maurice “Reese” Wantiez of East Peoria and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents.

Chris was as a mechanic by trade and worked for the Fon du Lac Park District for over 25 years. In his time at the park district he could often be found helping repair equipment and vehicles for other city departments. He never said no when asked for help and always put everyone else's needs before his own. He was always helping friends, family, neighbors and community members 'because that's what we do”.

He was well known by many as “Chris the scrap man”. Chris collected scrap from all over the area and was easily recognized by his truck and trailer filled with his treasures. He could fix everything and his grandsons knew to call Papa if anything of theirs had been broken. He enjoyed working on projects with his son-in-law and teaching him new skills. He also enjoyed fishing, traveling (not by plane) and shopping at flea markets and antique malls with his wife. Chris loved his grandsons and spending time at their numerous sporting events to cheer them on. He also loved his pets; two dogs, Jeg and Izzy; two cats, George and Baby. The cat Baby also passed away the same day as Chris. He will be remembered for his quick witted humor and sarcastic jokes. He always found a reason to laugh even on the hardest days.

A gathering celebrating Chris’s life will be from 3 to 7 p.m. Friday, December 30, 2022 at the Fon du Lac Park District Administration Center, 201 Veterans Drive, East Peoria. The family has asked guests to wear casual attire.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Creve Coeur.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be given to Illinois CancerCare Foundation, 8940 Wood Sage Road, Peoria, Illinois 61615; Tazewell Animal Protective Society, 100 Taps Lane, Pekin, Illinois 61554; Stray Animal Midway Shelter, 328 South Pinkerton Road, Hanna City, Illinois 61536.

To express condolences online, visit www.preston-hanley.com