Christian "Chris" Striker

Christian “Chris” Striker, 73, of Bucyrus, died Sunday, January 16, 2022 at Bucyrus Community Hospital following a lengthy illness.



Chris was born September 2, 1948 in Bucyrus to the late Rolla and Shirley Waive (Cole) Striker and was a 1966 graduate of Bucyrus High School. Following graduation he began working at North Electric for a short time before hiring into PPG in Crestline where he worked 41 years until his retirement in 2010.



Known to different people by various names such as Christian, Chris or Captain Kriz, he was always a hardworking, creative and unique individual. While in high school he wrote a science fiction book titled, A Hard Day's Dream. Even though this was his first and only book, it was the beginning of his lifelong love affair with Science Fiction. He delved into mask making and became a teacher to others with the same interests, being an early mentor to the famous David Lady. Science Fiction and Horror conventions around the country is how he would vacation and connect with his enormous community of likeminded people. He found great joy in becoming someone else through costume and character, most significantly as Klingon Captain Kriz. He was an avid collector of autographed, first edition science fiction books. Captain Kriz was formerly active in KAG, Camp Dover Peace Conference and SCA sword fighting, where he participated in medieval reenactment fighting.



Chris maintained various collections of interesting and unusual items throughout his life. He had quite the extensive mask collection, amazing science fiction and fantasy artwork, a vast library, movie props, and an arsenal of weapons from medieval swords to Klingon bat'leths. Building models from historical military vehicles to NASA rockets is one of the many ways Chris kept busy. Without a doubt, reading was his favorite way to pass the time and you could always find a half read book on the kitchen table. He was on the forefront of technology in the 80's, building computers from scratch and introducing so many people to new things. He always enjoyed gathering with fellow computer club members at the L&K to catch up and share computer advice. He also enjoyed visiting with fellow PPG retirees at their monthly breakfasts. Chris enjoyed music and although his taste in music covered the entire spectrum, he attended too many AC/DC concerts to count. He was very environmentally conscious and did his best to recycle and reuse everything possible.



Chris is survived by his four children who he supportively raised, Beth Striker, Matt (Connie Dietrich) Striker, Rachel (James Eaton) Striker and Christopher Seiler; nine grandchildren, Amanda Stover, Zachary Frazier, Tyler Striker, Tobias “Toby” Waldbauer, Darrian Eaton, Jacen Goble, Kaiden Eaton, Jaina Goble and lastly and probably the grandchild he maintained the strongest bond with, Callahan Striker. He is also survived by nine great grandchildren; a brother, Dennis Striker and his close friend, Bob Gobrecht.



He was preceded in death by a brother, Raleigh Striker, sister, Elizabeth Freeman; nephew, Jeff Freeman; granddaughter, Grace Eaton and great granddaughter Desiree Frazier as well as a close friend, Ron Foght.



His family will receive friends from 4 – 7 pm Thursday, January 20 at Wise Funeral Service, where his funeral will take place at 11:00 am Friday with Certified Celebrant Mark Dettmer officiating. Burial will follow in Union Cemetery.



Donations can be made payable to the Crawford County Council on Aging and will be accepted through the funeral home. Photographs and memories are encouraged to be shared on his tribute wall.