Christopher Henry Koelle

Christopher Koelle, 55, passed away peacefully at Erlanger Hospital in Chattanooga, TN on Friday, November 1st, 2019 at 6:12 PM. 

Chris was born on January 4th, 1964 in Des Moines, IA. He was adopted by Wayne and Avis Koelle following birth and resided in Des Moines through 1982. In 1983, along with his Mom, Dad, and Brother, they moved to Chattanooga, TN. 

Chris spent 25-years of his life at Brock Candy Company on Jersey Pike in Chattanooga. During his time at Brock Candy Company, he met Karen Humphries. The two were married in 1991 and in 1997 they had their sole child, Christian. 

From 1991 through 2011, they resided in Chattanooga, TN before moving to and settling in Ooltewah. 

Chris loved to play golf, bowl, and play pool. He was an avid Iowa Hawkeyes fan and never missed a game on Saturday including the last win he was able to watch against Northwestern. Along with Iowa Hawkeyes football, he loved to watch NASCAR and professional wrestling.

His favorite TV shows include Miami Vice, WKRP in Cincinnati, Emergency, and Forged in Fire. Some of his favorite movies include Close Encounters of the Third Kind, Smokey and the Bandit, Convoy, White Line Fever, to name a few.  

He was preceded in death by his adopted parents Avis and Wayne Koelle and a sister, Kimberly Edwards. 

Chris is survived by his wife of 28 years, Karen Koelle of Ooltewah, TN; his son, Christian Koelle (Heather) of Ooltewah, TN; his mother, Jan Edwards of Des Moines, IA; sisters, Lisa (Mike) Roney of Johnston, IA and Lori Sales of Des Moines, IA; brother, Doug (Becky) of Casa Grande, AZ; beloved friend, Dee Clay of Hixson, TN; several nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and nephews.

A celebration of his life will be held from 5-8 PM Friday, December 6, 2019, at Pathway Baptist Church in the Fellowship Center, located at 9754 East Brainerd Road, Ooltewah, TN 37363. People are welcome to come and stay as long as they'd like.

The family is requesting that any memorial contributions be made to one of three charities. Connor’s Cure, Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption, or Donate Life America.

Please visit www.heritagechattanooga.com to share words of comfort.

Arrangements are by Heritage Funeral Home, 7454 East Brainerd Road, Chattanooga, TN 37421.

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