Saying Goodbye to Dane's Dad

We received the horrible news on Friday, January 14th, that Dane's dad, Chris Zdunich, had passed away. It was a difficult time at our house this past weekend. Thank you to all of our friends that helped ease the pain with your love, prayers and presence.

He and his partner Rockie played a huge role in Dane's recovery and I'm sure Dane will always remember him for his loving care these last few months.

I have included his obituary for those of you that might like to participate in the services.

Christopher Thomas Zdunich died January 14, 2011 at his home in St. George, Utah. He was born December 13, 1960 to Frank and Linda Zdunich in Murray, Utah.
Chris was raised in the Midvale/Sandy area of the Salt Lake Valley. He attended Hillcrest High School. Chris joined the United States Army in 1981 and was honorably discharged in 1987. On July 20, 1985, Chris married Leslie Jacobs. They were later divorced. During his military career Chris served in the 82nd Airborne, as a Sergeant in the 1st Special Forces Group and was in combat in Grenada.

Chris worked in many different roles throughout his life. After his army discharge, he worked in the restaurant industry in Salt Lake City. In 1992, he moved to Kelso, Washington and worked as a truck driver for his Father, and then as a dispatcher for Puget Sound Truck Lines, at the Longview Terminal. He was then transferred to the Portland Terminal as a Manager. Chris was an honored reserve officer for the Kelso Police Department. During this time he and Leslie had 3 children; boy and girl twins, and a son. In 2000 they moved to St. George and Chris again worked in the restaurant industry. In 2005 he began sharing his life with Rockie Bennett. Together they traveled and worked in Manhattan, New York, Salt Lake City, Utah and Portland, Oregon. At the time of his death he was employed by Outback Steakhouse and attending Dixie State College.

Chris embraced his passions wholeheartedly. He enjoyed hiking, biking, scuba diving, traveling and cooking. His most recent passion was his motorcycles. Chris was never more at peace than when he was riding one of his bikes. He was an avid reader and would spend countless hours researching his personal interests. Nothing, however, compared to the love that he had for each of his children; daughter Kendle, 16, and sons Dane, 16 and Wyatt, 15. They were his world.

Chris is survived by his life partner Rockie Bennett, her two children Lacey (Chris), Ivins, UT and Quinn (Melanie), Huntsville, AL, and her three grandchildren, Asher, Aspyn and Stella; his three beautiful children; Kendle, Dane and Wyatt; his parents, Frank and Linda Zdunich, of Kelso, WA; brothers Mark (Kyle) Jamul, CA, Darren, Kauai, HI, Kelly (Mica Anne) Longview, WA, Micah, Kelso, WA and Nate (Tabby) Vancouver, WA.; Sisters; Darcie, Vancouver, WA, and Amy, Longview, WA, several nieces and nephews.

Chris’ life, and the peace that he now finds in his heart, will be celebrated with a graveside service and a balloon release on Saturday, January 22nd 10:00 a.m. at the Tonaquint Cemetery , 1777 South Dixie Drive, St. George. Anyone wanting to participate in the balloon release may do so by writing a message to/for Chris and his loved ones at a designated area at Outback Steakhouse, by sending an email to www.serenicare.com or czdunich@yahoo.com, or at the graveside service. Unless requested otherwise, messages will be shared with those attending the balloon release.
A funeral mass will be held in Longview, Washington on Friday, February 4th, 2011 at St. Rose Catholic Church. Interment will take place at a later date at Tonaquint Cemetery.