Christian F. Guhl

Christian F. Guhl, 88, passed away peacefully on June 5, 2023, in his hometown of DeKalb, IL, surrounded in person and virtually by loved ones.  The patriarch of a close-knit midwestern family, Chris was actively engaged throughout his life in the things he held most dear:  Family, Friends and his Community.

Christian Guhl was born in Freeport, IL to Roy and Ruth Guhl on March 10, 1935.  From West High School in Rockford, IL, Christian went on to attend Wabash College, the fight song of which he was known to jovially sing to his family.  After graduating from Wabash in Crawfordsville, IN, he married his life-long sweetheart Diane Guhl on Sept. 1, 1956, in Rockford, IL.  During their 66 years of marriage, they have supported each other through the ups and downs of creating family and celebrated together countless milestones including a 50th wedding anniversary, the weddings of their children and grandchildren, and welcoming great-grandchildren.

Christian began his career at Anaconda Wire and Cable as an Industrial Engineer and remained with the company until it closed its Sycamore location in 1983.  A meticulous, hard-worker, Chris also worked at his parents' family-owned bakery, in maintenance at the Growing Place, in the office of DuPage Neonatology Associates, and even started several businesses on the side, including a successful quick-serve fried chicken restaurant.  When not hard at work, he could be found on the golf course, demonstrating his wizardry at card games to family and friends, or being an active member in his church and the Elks Club.  During his golden years he was passionately engaged in NIU's Lifelong Learning Institute.  He was never one for sitting around—although it was well known that he enjoyed time at home on his patio basking in the beauty of his wife's lovingly tended garden, occasionally with a McDonalds burger and Miller Genuine Draft in hand.

Words don't seem enough to convey the full life that Chris lived each and every day.  He was the pillar of his family and a fixture of his community.

Christian is preceded in death by parents Roy and Ruth Guhl.

Christian is survived by his spouse, Diane Guhl, daughters Debbie Woods (Mark) and Julie Anders (Steve Klotz), grandchildren Christine Smith (Michael), Chelsea Anderson (Blake), Steven Woods (Nicole), and great-grandchildren Christian, Annabelle, and Hallie Smith.

The family of Christian Guhl wishes to extend our sincere thanks to Dr. James Matheu, the staff of CenterWell Home Health, Northwestern Medicine Hospital nurses Chelsey and Agnes, Reverend Jonathan Crail of DeKalb First United Methodist Church and the many friends that graciously gave of their time and support.

To honor the profound impact that Christian has had on so many lives, a Celebration of Life will be held at DeKalb First United Methodist Church, 2501 N. Annie Glidden Rd, DeKalb, IL on Thursday, July 20, 2023, at 11:00am. Visitation will be held on Thursday July 20, 2023, from 10:00am till the time of the service in the church. Burial will follow at Fairview Cemetery in DeKalb.  All are invited to attend a luncheon immediately following the burial. Cremation arrangements were entrusted to: Finch Funeral Home 310 Oak St. DeKalb, IL, 60115 (815) 758-3841.