Obituaries

April 10, 1963 to October 30, 2023

FRANCESVILLE - Chris Lee Wuethrich Jr., 60, of Troy, IL passed away Monday, Oct. 30, at his home, surrounded by his wife and children, following a seven-month battle with cancer.

He was born April 10, 1963, the son of the late Chris Lee and Ruth [Stoller] Wuethrich.  He graduated from West Central High School in 1981 and enjoyed music. He played trumpet in the band and the bass guitar after school and on weekends with his buddies. He loved going to Sunday school as a little boy, not knowing that he would marry the little girl with long blonde hair who sat on the bench in front of him. Carla J. Gutwein became his high school sweetheart at the age of 17. They were married in 1982, at the Apostolic Christian Church in Francesville. She survives.

Chris Wuethrich Jr.

He is also survived by:
Levi (Kyann) Wuethrich, Wadsworth, OH, Son
Meagan (Brad) Frank, LaCrosse, Daughter
Landon (Hannah) Wuethrich, Burlington, IA, Son
Marissa Wuethrich, Chicago, Daughter
Cambria Wuethrich, Troy, IL, Daughter
9 Grandchildren: Brielle, Adree, Bryce, Colin, Cora, Solvi, Quinn, Carlee, and Conrad.
Ken (Lyn) Wuethrich, Indianapolis, Brother
Kitty (Dennis) Gutwein, Francesville, Sister
Kevin (Connie) Wuethrich, Francesville, Brother
Kelly (Mark) Ramseyer, Livonia, MI, Sister
Kirby (April) Wuethrich, Zionsville, Brother
Yvonne Gutwein, Francesville, Mother-in-law
Steve (Linda) Gutwein, Francesville, Brother-in-law
Melody Gutwein Braun, Carmel, Sister-in-law
Nick (Suzanne) Gutwein, West Lafayette, Brother-in-law
Numerous Nieces and Nephews and their families
Many Aunts, Uncles, and Cousins

Preceded in death by:
Mandy Lee Wuethrich, Daughter
Carl Gutwein, Father-in-law
Dr. Michael Gutwein, Brother-in-law

After graduation, Mr. Wuethrich gave his life to the Lord Jesus Christ and was baptized in 1981. He grew up loving farm life with his family. He especially loved working with the hog operation. He was always seeking to learn more and continually researching, designing, and planning to improve the business. After three years of marriage, he attended Purdue University and graduated in 1989 with a bachelor’s degree in agricultural economics and finance. He taught Sunday school all four years of college, and after graduation he moved back to Francesville. He centered his career in agriculture as a grain merchandiser for over 30 years and transitioned in the last four years to sales with a subsurface drip irrigation company. He was called to the ministry in 1991 and had the privilege to preach the gospel in four different churches over the last 32 years.

The ultimate blessing arose in the last two years when Mr. Wuethrich became the elder and shepherd of his beloved St. Louis Church. To preach the truth, show the love of Jesus, accepting everyone unconditionally while adding humor and storytelling in the mix was who God made him to be. Not only did he center his life on serving his church, his children and family meant everything to him. He also could fix anything. The kids always knew they could call their dad for help, and he would be there for them. This devotion and love of being a dad was his greatest calling and reward; for it was through his children he learned more about loving, and more about Christ. It refined and polished his ministry; it opened the door to the Holy Spirit’s teaching of loving as Jesus loved. This was the complete fulfillment and joy in his life.

Visitation will be from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. (CT) Friday, Nov. 3, at the Apostolic Christian Church of St. Charles , Mo. The funeral service will follow at 3 p.m. (CDT) Friday, at the church.

Out-of-town arrangements are entrusted to Paul Funeral Home in St. Charles, Mo. - www.paulfuneral.com.

Visitation will be from 3 to 7 p.m. (ET), Sunday, Nov. 5, at the Apostolic Christian Fellowship Center, Francesville. A graveside service will be at 11 a.m. (ET), Monday, Nov. 6, at Roseland Cemetery, Francesville.

Local arrangements are entrusted to Frain Mortuary Querry-Ulbricht Chapel in Francesville, - www.frainmortuary.com.

Memorial donations may be made to the Chris Wuethrich Memorial Fund (please make checks payable to Carla J. Wuethrich) or Apostolic Christian Church HarvestCall.