Chris Hunsinger, known to many as Elvi, left his Temporary home on June 21st after a 16 month battle from Pancreatic Cancer. He joins many who have gone before him to his Permanent Heavenly home.
Elvi was born September 13th 1953 in Lawrence, KS to Guy Donald Hunsinger and Barbara Jean Bell. They proceeded him in death. He attended Lawrence Schools and Graduated from Lawrence High in 1971. After Graduation he attended K-State where he studied Wildlife & Fisheries.
He then joined his father in the Construction Business known as C&D Construction. After that he worked for B.A. Green Construction then at Astros Billiards and Bar. Upon Retirement he worked Part Time for the City of Lawrence mowing at Eagle Bend Golf Course.
He married Paula Baker and they had a Son Michael Hunsinger. They were later divorced.
On June 16, 2004 he married Kathi (Kate or Katie) Harper in Yosemite National Park. She survives of the home.
Even as a child Chris enjoyed the Great Outdoors. He and his Sister would walk the half a block from their home to Centennial Park where they would explore the creeks. One time they found and brought home a stray cat which resulted in both of them contracting Ring Worm. The Radiation they received caused them both to go bald. Chris was allowed to wear a Ball Cap to school & Sheila, a wig.
That was the beginning of Chris’ love for Ball Caps as his collection grew over the years.
Elvi never met a stranger. People were drawn to his charismatic personality. He loved sitting around a campfire playing guitar, singing and everyone stomping on cans as they sang along. He was quite the joke teller which was inherited from his Father. Every Memorial Day was a Canoe trip and every June the Country Stampede of which he had attended all of them from the very first one. Camping every Spring, Summer and Fall was a big part of his life.
Golf was a passion, as well. He and two of his Golf Buddies had the opportunity to travel to Scotland in 2015. His employment with Eagle Bend Golf Course showed his passion for caring for the Course. He was in his Element when he was mowing both at work and at home.
He genuinely loved and respected both his men & women friends. “Sweetie Pie” was his coin name for his Lady friends.
Another passion was his music. He played guitar in and with several bands over the years. Music Row was his last official band.
Elvi loved all sports. K-State, KU, Chiefs, Royals – he loved them all. His Sister has season tickets to the Tennessee Titans so we got the opportunity to attend a Chiefs-Titans game.
Other survivors include his Sister Sheila McArdle of Ashland City, TN. Two nephews, Matthew & Josh McArdle of Murfreesboro TN and 4 great nieces and 1 great nephew.
Visitation will be Sunday June 27th from 2 to 4 pm at Rumsey Yost Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers the family requests Donations to Douglas County Visiting Nurses or LMH Oncology.
Online condolences may be sent to www.rumsey-yost.com
So sorry to hear of your loss, I played with Chris and Sheila in the neighborhood with hide and go seek, etc., We had such a fun group of kids to play with! I hope Sheila is doing well. Prayers for your healing.
Katie Jane, Michael, and Family,
I just was told about Chis passing away – moving on- last night. I am so, so sorry to hear about this way after. I knew Chris since I was 16 years old when he and his Dad, Don, hired me to work for C&D Construction. Oh..The stories I could tell. All fond and hilarious. ” But, Hon?”… I learned a lot from Chris and later worked with him again after returning to Lawrence years ago. He was a great guy. Could make anyone laugh with his jokes – many passed down from his Dad. Will never forget the “B@tt Whistle”! He was also a very honest and curious person who was always willing to learn and teach new things. I remember when he was taking piano lessons at 50+ years old!! Gees, I could go on. Oh, I will always remember Chris as a good friend and great guy yo work for. May God Bless him. – Jason Hammond
Dear Dear Katie, my heart goes out to you & all of Chris’ family. He was such a wonderful, joyful, delightful, caring man….a true gentleman. He was so kind & considerate of every one. He is with you always now, your guardian angel of Heaven ❤ You have our hearts, warm thoughts, hugs & Prayers that Dear God keep you in His Good Care…in the name of His Son Christ Jesus ❤ we pray ?? ?
Dear God ❤ amen
Katie Jane I am so sorry to hear about Elvi! One of my best memories was getting to be a shitter girl!
I am so very sorry, Kathi.
Dearest Katie, we are so sorry to hear of Elvi’s passing. We love you both so much & will always remember so many wonderful times together ❤️ All the best to you during this difficult time and always ?
My heart goes out to you and your family ❤️. Rest in Heavenly Peace ?️ Chris.
So sorry to hear of your loss, Elvi was a one of kind man, his smile and laughter will be missed, my thoughts and prayers are with you Katie through this difficult time❤️
We are sorry to hear about Elvi. He was a great person and fun to be around. We will miss him.
Sincere condolences to Katie and Sheila on the passing of our cousin and nephew Chris.
From the families of Mona and Fletcher Bell, Steve and Lynne Bell, Nancy and Steve Kincaid.
I have very fond memories of the times we spent together as kids.
Schocked to hear of this cant believe i wont get to see him again,sorry for your loss and more, iam not going to be able to see you at visitation due to a preplaned trip out of state, just know im thinking of you and will miss him so much, music row band was some really super fun days ,i really thought we d go one more time think last time i saw you both,working on your drive way, lv stu,and family
Katie, So sorry to hear about Elvi. We are praying for comfort for you and your family. May you seek comfort through Jesus Christ. Vince is especially saddened by Elvis passing. We love you both very much sweet lady you both have been kind and special in our hearts.
You will be missed by many Elvi! Love you Katie! Until we sit around a campfire together again, May your rest be Peaceful Friend! Love, Dan and Kathy
Katie, sorry to hear about Elvi. Have many memories of him and Charlie playing the guitar. I’ll keep you in my prayers.
Katie,
Elvi was such a good friend to me. He will be missed greatly.
You are in our prayers.
So Sorry for your loss. Prayers to you Kate.
What a great guy. So sorry to hear.
Well Kuzin Kate, I’m so sorry to read about this. I did not know he had been ill. He was a good man, and he now is playing music above us with his dad, and Walt Beers. If you need anything, just call. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Chris I remember so well always smiling and enjoyed being around friends you will be missed buddy RIP.
Sorry for the loss of Mike, He was a great neighbor and freind when you needed one
Love you Kate.
Katie Jane….I’m so sadden by your loss. Many good times shared with Elvi and you…Take care Katie…..
Kate, my heart goes out to you! Thoughts and prayers my Friend!
Kate, so sorry to hear about your husband, prayers for you and your family
So sorry to hear about Elvi, he was taken way too soon! Thoughts and prayers to you Kate! Love you my friend!
Kathi, Mike and I are so very sorry for your loss. Elvi was a great guy.