Christopher "Chris" J. Shank

Christopher “Chris” John Shank, age 60, passed away after a courageous battle with colon cancer, at home surrounded by his loved ones on June 10, 2026.

He was born in Rockford, on May 20,1966, the son of John and Mary Kay (Noyes) Shank. Chris grew up in Byron, and graduated from Byron High School, Class of 1984.

Above all else, Chris was a devoted father and father-in-law to Morgan, Malia, Ryan and a proud grandfather to his grandson, Eli. His family and friends were the center of his world, and some of his greatest joys came from spending time with those he loved. Whether sharing stories, offering advice, or simply enjoying a conversation, Chris had a unique ability to connect with people and make them feel valued. His quick wit, sense of humor, and gift for storytelling left lasting impressions on everyone fortunate enough to know him.

A lifelong Byron Tiger, Chris was deeply proud of his hometown and remained actively involved in the community throughout his life. His love for sports began as a student-athlete at Byron High School and continued for decades through coaching, umpiring, and refereeing youth sports. Countless athletes, families, and fellow officials knew Chris from the ballfields, courts, and sidelines where he generously gave his time and passion for the game. That passion for sports extended to watching and cheering for Chicago sports teams; Da Bears, Blackhawks, and Cubs, as well as Notre Dame College sports.

He worked many years for United Airlines and currently worked in the trucking industry for Saia LT Freight, in Rockford. Chris loved collecting baseball caps, shoes, and keeping his wardrobe up to date. In his spare he enjoyed spending time outside, in his shed.

Chris was an amazing role model, and always showed up for those he loved. He is preceded in death, by his father, and grandparents. He is survived and will be deeply missed by his daughters, Morgan (Ryan) Swigart of Brodhead, WI, and his grandson Eli, and Malia Shank of Milwaukee, WI; mother, Mary Kay Shank of Byron; siblings, Lisa (Craig) Coltrain of Byron, Mike (Carmen) Shank of Byron, and Scott (Jaime) Shank of Byron; significant other, Nicole Cincinnati of Loves Park; nieces and nephews, Taylor (John), Ashley (Dallas) and their son River, Austin, Dawson, Whitney, Dillon, Gunnar, Ayden (Hunter), Denton, Conner, and Brenden; special people, Patrick and Chris French; and many other cousins, family, and friends.

There will be a Private Funeral Service for the family only.

A visitation will be held from 4:00 – 8:00 pm, on Friday, June 26, 2026, at Farrell Holland Gale Funeral Home. A Celebration of Life Open House will be held at Neon Tiger, in Byron, on Saturday, June 27, 2026, at 3-7 pm. In Lieu of flowers, to honor the memory of Chris, the family requests memorial donations be given to the Shank Family.