Christopher Junkert

Christopher Junkert, a loving husband, father, brother, and friend, passed away peacefully at home on March 7, 2026, at the age of 65 after a three-year battle with cancer.

Born on January 9, 1961, in Lincoln, Nebraska, to Mary Ellen and Owen Junkert, Chris grew up in Clinton, Illinois, alongside his two younger sisters, Stacy Halverson and Paula Caubre. He earned a degree in Learning and Development from Eastern Illinois University and obtained his Private Pilot’s License. He began his career at Assurant as a trainer, teaching new employees how to interact with customers, before spending nearly 25 years with Centene Corporation in the same role. In 1994, he met his future wife, Marlyn Ico, at a candy shop in Chicago. They married in 1997, moved to California, and welcomed two children, Chrisalyn and Sean. The family later settled in Tampa, Florida, before retiring to Gainesville, Florida, seeking a quieter life.

Chris cherished family above all and made it a priority to gather everyone for meals, often weaving in trivia questions and hosting Family Movie Nights every Friday. A natural teacher, he brought energy and enthusiasm to every lesson, whether guiding his children through school and life or training colleagues at work. He had a deep love for his Jaguar F-Type, frequently cruising with rock music, particularly AC/DC, playing loudly. His many hobbies included playing guitar, reading, video games, golf, shooting, restoring his 1972 Dodge Charger, and spending time with his beloved dog, Molly. In his later years, he found great joy in simple pleasures—sitting on the porch with Marlyn by the fire pit, listening to music and the sounds of the world passing by. He was happiest when surrounded by family, relatives, and friends filling the house with life and laughter.

He is survived by his wife, Marlyn Junkert; daughter, Chrisalyn Junkert; son, Sean Junkert; sister, Paula Caubre; niece, Claire Caubre; nephew, Michael (Mac) Caubre; and his pets, Molly and Autumn. He is reunited in peace with his parents, Mary Ellen and Owen Junkert, and his sister, Stacy Halverson.