Wayne Lee Christoff

Resided in Rapid River, MI
Died August 25, 2022

Wayne Lee Christoff, age 83, of Rapid River, passed away at U.P. Health Systems Marquette on Thursday, August 25, 2022, surrounded by his loved ones.

Wayne was born in Kipling, Michigan on September 12, 1938, the son of Leo and Celia (Maki) Christoff. On August 4, 1962, Wayne married his highschool sweetheart and love of his life, Joanne Lundberg, at Calvary Lutheran Church. Wayne attended school in Eben Junction, Kipling, and Rapid River. He attended college at Ferris Institute and Northern Michigan University. Wayne graduated with a B.S. degree in Teaching and two Masters Degrees in Secondary Education and School Administration. Wayne taught at Nahma High School, Royal Oak Kimball High School, Flat Rock Elementary, Rapid River High School, and Gladstone Schools. He was High School principal at Rapid River and elementary principal at W.C. Cameron in Gladstone.

Wayne was a member of Calvary Lutheran Church, Gladstone Masonic Lodge #396, Rapid River Lions Club, and the Rapid River Senior Center. He was a former member of Rapid River School Board, DSISD Board Member, Rapid River and Gladstone Kiwanis and Ensign Township Board of Review.

Wayne was so proud of his daughter Leanne and son Mark and all of his grandchildren.

Wayne is survived by his wife Joanne, daughter Leanne (Jim) Bedgood, and son Mark (Cristine) Christoff, his grandchildren Bryan, Nathan, Kaitlyn, Breanne, Addie, and Clay.

Wayne loved being with family. The family all enjoyed a trip to Kauai, Hawaii, in August 2022 to celebrate Wayne and Joanne’s 60th wedding anniversary.

Wayne loved to travel, garden, and wood work. Wayne had many accomplishments, awards, and accolades, but most important was his family and his faith.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, September 10, 2022 from 12 noon to 2 PM at Calvary Lutheran Church in Rapid River. Memorial services will follow at 2 PM with Pastor Stephen Gauger officiating. A luncheon will follow services in the Calvary parish hall. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be directed to Calvary Lutheran Church or the Beacon House in Marquette. The Skradski Family Funeral Homes of Delta County are assisting the Christoff family.

22 Tributes for “Wayne Lee Christoff

    Joanne, sorry to hear of your dear husbands passing. Missed you at. The famous flea markets, Our deepest sympathies to you and you family,. sincerely Judy and Muff

    Wayne was a super guy whom every one loved. He will be sadly missed by all. Hugs to the family. Keep his memories alive, talk about him often.
    God Bless
    Judy

    Joanne we are so sorry to hear about Wayne’s passing he was a great guy. Hugs to you & your family . Our deepest sympathies & hope thee days ahead will get easier for you Bill & Theresa

    I has known Wayne since high school and he was a man I always respected and had the highest regard for. He was a great ambassador for education and for the Rapid River community and will be sadly missed by everyone that knew him. Joanne, you two made a great team, you touched many lives, raised a wonderful family, and brighten every room when you walked in. You are equally a great role model and you have a wonderful spirit, continue the days ahead with the same energy and smile.
    Hugs to you: Don Hartman

    Joanne- So very sorry to hear of Wayne’s passing. He truly was a fine person and will be missed by many. Kathy Bennett

    Joanne, Leanne, and Mark and the rest of the family,
    So sorry to hear about the loss of Wayne. He was a terrific guy. Your family was such an important part of our life in Gladstone. We have so many awesome memories of our times together. Even though we didn’t stay close after our move, you had a special place in hearts. Will treasure all of our good times and memories
    Love, Bill, Jackie and the Brisbane Family

    Dear Joanne and families.
    We just found out about Wayne. Our Sympathies to you Joanne and families. We would like to be at the service,
    but we will be in Ironwood for my sister-in-laws funeral the same day. Had many good visits talking about family tree.
    May God Bless you all.. Love Ron & Margo

    Joanne, Leanne and Mark,
    We were very sorry to hear about Wayne’s passing. “Toivo “ was a very special guy and a joy to be around. I always enjoyed his witticism and down to earth thoughts about life. I especially appreciated his willingness to serve on the Board of Education at the Intermediate School District and the support that he always had for the students. I know he will be missed, but rest assured that he will be with you in your thoughts every day. You all are in our thoughts and prayers. Mike and Debbie Koster

    Mr. Christoff was a kind and personable man. I loved having him as my childhood Principal at W.C. Cameron School. I always remembered that he gave each of us children his time and attention. I still enjoy looking at my Kindergarten Graduation picture of him handing me my diploma. Rest In Peace Mr. Christoff. Prayers and condolences to Mrs. Christoff along with Leanne and Mark..

    My thoughts and prayer are with your family at this sad time. Mr. C was a very kind man. He truly was someone I want to emulate in my teaching career.

    Did nt know him very well, but whenever or wherever I ran into him. He always greeted me with a smile. Wayne and his wife are some of the finest people I be ever had the pleasure to meet. God Bless you Wayne. Sending my love, and condolences to your family. I ll keep your family in my prayers ❤….

    What can I say. Ive known Wayne for 28 years. He was a very good man who loved his family, his wild birds and his friends. He will be missed.

    Not only was Mr. Christoff a great teacher, I remember him being very kind to me.
    One of my favorites at Flat Rock Elementary!
    My sincere condolences to Joanne & his family. May he rest in peace.

    ~Cheryl (Kalishek)

    Lion Toivo was instrumental in the working of our Rapid River Lions club. An all around good guy! My condolences to his family.

    Joanne andfamily,
    Cindy and I wish to express our condolences. Wayne held a special place for us. His help with Georgie Safford was very special. Know that we would be there if we could. May God give you peace.

    So sorry to hear about Mr Christoff. I can’t call him Wayne. Lol. He was my 7th grade teacher at Flat Rock and my son Paul Barth’s principal at Cameron elementary. The Best! He was what a teacher was supposed to be. He was able to get the best out of his students. I cannot list all the words to describe what a loving soul he was! He was also admired by my mother’, Yoko Ingebrigtsen, as well.

    Joanne and Family, Our prayers and thoughts are with you during this time however we will always remember the education he provided students, especially at Flat Rock School.

    Our thoughts and prayers to the whole family. Wayne was a special guy. Truly a genuine person and will be missed. God bless.
    Gary and Kathy Maynard

    Joanne and Family, our heartfelt condolences on Wayne’s passing. He will be deeply missed by all who have had the pleasure of knowing him; a former teammate, a remarkable, talented, and kind man.

    Our thoughts and prayers are with you all, he will be missed by many. Sorry we could not make the Life Celebration. May God Bless you all.

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