Chris Anthony Gottschalk of Hays, Kansas, passed away in his home Tuesday, February 14, 2023. He was born in Manhattan, Kansas, on May 18, 1959, to Cecil and Dorothy (Befort). Chris graduated from TMP in 1977. On November 17, 1979, he married Krista Leiker at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Hays.
Chris worked in the oil field for most of his career. Through a life spent on the wells, he made life-long friends and considered many in his cohort his extended family. He leaves behind a lasting legacy in Kansas oil, notable both for his accomplishments in the industry and for those whose lives he touched.
Chris lived life to its fullest. As a lifelong Kansas City Chiefs fan, he was thrilled to watch his team win the Super Bowl this year. In true Chris fashion, he enjoyed the game surrounded by family and friends while hosting the best gameday party in town. His love of life was only outweighed by his generosity toward others, a trait for which he will be well-remembered.
He was actively involved with Thomas More Prep-Marian serving as the Vice President of the Alumni board. From the sideline to the board room, Chris was a devoted supporter of TMP. Few things brought him as much as joy as his years spent watching his kids and grandkids participate in all of their activities. He was a member of St. Joseph Church, a 3rd Degree Knights of Columbus, #4166, Schoenchen, and the Friday Morning OPEC Group “Oil Producers of Ellis County”.
Chris is survived by his wife Krista Gottschalk, his 3 children Tyler Gottschalk (Megan) of Hays, Luke Gottschalk (Jessica) of Houston, Texas, and Katelyn Burkman (Nate) of Ellicott City, Maryland; 5 siblings, Gregg Gottschalk (Patricia) of Hays, Galen Gottschalk of Hays, Troy Gottschalk (April) of Westminster, Colorado, Jan Meade (Joe) of The Colony, Texas, and Becky Serri (Andy) of Sarasota, Florida; and 8 Grandchildren, Teagan Gottschalk, Adilyn Gottschalk, Jonah Gottschalk, Remington Gottschalk, Lily Gottschalk, Miles Gottschalk, Emerson Burkman, and Donovan Burkman.
He is preceded in death by his parents; a God-child Shane Gottschalk, and his father-in-law Don Leiker.
Funeral services will be 10:30 AM Friday, February 17, 2023, at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Hays.
Visitation will be Thursday 5:30 PM - 8:00 PM at the church with a combined rosary and parish vigil will be 7:00 PM.
Arrangements in care of Brock's-Keithley Funeral Chapel and Crematory, 2509 Vine, Hays, KS 67601.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions are suggested to TMP-Marian, St. Joseph’s Church, or the Comeau Catholic Campus Center.
Condolences may be left by guestbook at www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com