Return to Station Listings
|
Christopher C. VanWoert
Born: 9/18/1965
Died: 2/2/2026
Age: 60
Community: Auburn, MI
|
Christopher C. VanWoert, (60), a proud veteran of the Army, passed away February 2, 2026 after his battle with cancer. The son of Howard (deceased) and Bonnie VanWoert (Sleeper) and stepfather Oscar (Butch) Sleeper (deceased), Chris grew up in Durand, Michigan and later moved to Alpena, then Auburn, Michigan. He was born September 18, 1965 and graduated from Alpena High school in 1983. Later moved to the Auburn area and worked for the railroad but went to College out of Toledo, Ohio for training in railroad operations. He spent 18 years on the railroad as a Conductor, Engineer and in the tower directing rail shipments, customer service and many other tasks. He last worked for Menards at their warehouse in Saginaw switching out semi-trailers at the dock. On average, he switched out 65 trailers a shift. He always took pride in his work. Chris loved John Deere tractors, tall trucks and NASCAR. His favorite driver was #3 Dale Earnhardt Sr. Chris also liked to go to car shows and antique festivals. He had an infectious smile and a great sense of humor. He was loved by many.
At the age of 17, Christopher enlisted in the Army. He valued this service highly and attained the rank of Specialist (E4). During his time of service, he received several certifications on numerous heavy and light construction equipment. Along with being awarded several Certificates of Achievements, Chris was also an Expert Marksmen with a rifle and hand grenades. As part of this service, he spent time at Fort McClellan, Alabama and then Korea. His career was an Engineer and was honorably discharged in 1987. Christopher is survived by his wife Sharon VanWoert (Klaft) of 35 years, daughter Alissa VanWoert, Mother Bonnie Sleeper and Brother Mark (Christine) VanWoert and their children Brad and Andie Beaufait. He has several aunts, uncle and cousins.
A service honoring the life of Christopher will be held at Cunningham-Taylor Funeral Homes, Inc. in Auburn. Visitation will be at 10 am on February 16th, with the funeral starting at noon. Military Honors will be performed during the service. A luncheon will follow, at the Auburn Methodist Church at 2 pm. Chris will be buried 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, February 18th at the Great Lakes National Cemetery in Holly, Michigan. Donate to Funeral & Memorial Costs For Chris Van Woert at https://gofund.me/c4ee3fe8b |
Copyright © 2026 Direct Obits, LLC
| Visitation |
| Date: |
|
2/16/2026 |
| Time: |
|
10:00 AM |
| A service honoring the life of Christopher will be held at Cunningham-Taylor Funeral Homes, Inc. in Auburn. Visitation will be at 10 am on February 16th, with the funeral starting at noon. |
|
|
| Funeral Service |
| Date: |
|
2/16/2026 |
| Time: |
|
12:00 PM |
| |
| Location: |
|
Cunningham-Taylor Funeral Home
312 W. Midland Rd.
Auburn, MI 48611Get a Map to this location...
|
| Official: |
|
|
|
Return to Station Listings
|
|