SGT Christopher Truemper

SGT CHRISTOPHER TRUEMPER, 54, of Dixon, IL passed on September 2nd, 2023 in Sterling, IL while surrounded by his loved ones. Chris is preceded in death by his grandparents Fredrick and Genevieve Truemper, James and Katherine McGovern. Chris was born to Dean Truemper Sr. and Stella “Terry” Truemper on September 22nd, 1968. He was the oldest of three boys and grew up in Montgomery, IL. Joining the United States Marine Corps at the age of 18 where he saw two overseas deployments and Mountain Warfare School. His brothers in arms stated that there was no better friend and no worse enemy. Upon returning home he obtained his associates in Criminal Justice and continued his service to others by becoming a Correctional Officer for the State of Illinois for the last 23 years. He met the love of his life Karla Umhoefer 16 years ago, joining their families together and wed on September 1, 2010. Chris embodied what a son, husband, father and grandfather is, being the rock in his family’s life and teaching them that strength is so much more than physical. He continuously went above and beyond for his family and when thanked he would simply respond with “it’s just what I do”. Chris lived as a protector, dedicating his life to taking others under his wing and mentoring wherever he went. If you won him over, you weren’t just friends but family. He took great pride in ensuring his work family made it home safely every night. He was an outdoorsman at heart who had a love for history, firearms, gardening, cooking and a dry humor to lighten any moment. Chris is survived by his parents Dean and Terry Truemper; wife Karla Truemper; his daughters Klarissa (Zackery Beck) Truemper, Kristin (Cody Rothermel) Truemper, Brittany Truemper and Kerri Umhoefer. His 6 grandchildren Kloey, Zoey, Jaylynn, Brody, Warren, and Deegan. His brothers Dean Truemper Jr. and Timothy Truemper. He is also survived by his Marine Brothers in Arms R. Lyster, D. Cooper, D. Grider, D. Eiden, B. Lancaster and E. Fekete. A celebration of life will be held at The Last Stop in Dixon, IL on what would have been his 55th birthday, September 22nd, 2023 from 1 pm until closing with Military Honors being presented at 4pm. The Truemper family wishes to extend our sincere thanks to CGH Medical Center, especially Nurse Practitioner Lindsay Rodriguez, ER Nurse Tiffany, ER Tech Becca, as well as Rock River Hospice and Home for their compassionate care throughout his last hours.

SGT Christopher Truemper

September 22, 1968 - September 2, 2023