Christopher "Chris" Hunstiger

Christopher L. “Chris” Hunstiger, age 70 of Sauk Centre, passed away surrounded by the love of his family, leaving behind a legacy of resilience, hard work, and deep devotion to those he loved most.

In his younger years, Chris was known for his adventurous spirit and fearless nature. He loved fishing, hunting, snowmobiling, and riding motorcycles with friends, embracing every opportunity for excitement and the open road. From a young age, he learned the value of hard work while helping on his Uncle Eddie’s farm. He eventually followed in his father’s footsteps by earning his CDL and becoming a truck driver.

Chris was married to Joyce Reuter, and together they built a family and raised four children. Chris spent much of his time traveling the United States as an over-the-road truck driver. One of his children’s favorite memories was climbing into the big semi truck with their dad and pulling the air horn as they rode along beside him.

Throughout his life, Chris endured tremendous adversity with quiet strength and perseverance. One of the greatest heartbreaks he carried was the loss of his son, Trevin, at just nine months old. Despite life’s hardships, Chris demonstrated remarkable determination and courage, remaining sober from alcohol and smoking for 36 years — an accomplishment he was deeply proud of. In later years, Brisk Raspberry Iced Tea became his drink of choice and was rarely far from his side.

Chris had a lifelong love for Harley-Davidson motorcycles and the freedom of the open road. He especially treasured his annual fishing trips to Lake of the Woods with the Hunstiger men, a 22-year tradition filled with stories, laughter, and lifelong bonds.

Above all else, Chris cherished his family. He adored his six grandchildren, ranging in age from six months to sixteen years old, and treasured every moment spent with them. Whether through stories, laughter, or simply being together, he made each grandchild feel deeply loved.

Chris will be remembered for his grit and grumpy charm, but underneath it all, was a gentle soul with an enormous heart. His memory will live on in the roar of motorcycles, the stillness of a fishing lake, the sound of a semi truck horn, and in the family who loved him dearly.

May he ride free and rest peacefully.

Survivors include his son, Shawn (Kayla) Hunstiger of Sauk Centre; daughters, Rachelle (Pat) Beste of Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida and Ashley (Tyler) Burns of Fergus Falls; grandchildren, Bristol and Carter Hunstiger, Jayse, Paxton, and Ellis Beste, and Maverick Burns; sisters and brothers, Deb Garding, Chuck Hunstiger, Jon (Kris) Hunstiger, Mike (Karen) Hunstiger, Jenny (Toby) Schnobrich, Steve (Portia) Hunstiger, Jeff (Sara) Hunstiger, Eric Hunstiger, and Becky (Jay) Larson.

Chris was preceded in death by his parents, David and Theresa Hunstiger; and son, Trevin Hunstiger.

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A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held 11 a.m. Thursday, June 4 at St. Paul’s Catholic Church in Sauk Centre with Rev. Kevin Soenneker officiating and Deacon Larry Lawinger assisting. Inurnment will be in the parish cemetery. Immediately following the service, a Celebration of Life will be held at Greystone Country Club. In honor of Chris’s love for Harley-Davidson, friends and family are encouraged to wear motorcycle gear or orange and black attire. Motorcycles are warmly welcomed.

Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, June 3 and from 10 to 11 a.m. Thursday, June 4 at St. Paul’s Catholic Church in Sauk Centre.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Holy Family School in Sauk Centre.