Christopher E. Rydahl

Christopher Eugene Rydahl, 71, of Traverse City, passed away September 5th, 2022, in the comfort of his home and under the care of his loving wife, Cynthia (Sladek), and in the presence of several close friends and family members. Chris was born to Eugene and Lois (Walkley) Rydahl in Mt. Pleasant, MI on December 3, 1950. He was the eldest of three children which include his sister Kathleen (Hendershot) and his brother Craig. Chris is survived by his wife Cindy, sons Darius (Andrea Bruder) and Jeremiah (Echo Han), his mother Lois, his sister Kathleen (David Shinaberry), brother Craig (Athina) and his granddaughters Mia and Ava. Chris is preceded in death by his father Eugene and his nephew Kevin. Chris developed a strong work ethic at a very young age. At 10 he took on the largest paper route in Mt. Pleasant which instilled in Chris a strong entrepreneurial drive. After high school, Chris moved to Ann Arbor where he learned the trade of carpentry. He eventually became a general contractor and started his own construction company, Rydahl Construction, which became Rydahl Renovations when he relocated to northern Michigan. The early 80s brought Chris to Traverse City. Little did Chris know that he would soon meet his future wife, Cindy, at the Wheatland Music Festival in 1985. The two made an instant connection through their love of music and dancing. After a brisk four-month courtship, the two were married on January 11th , 1986, in Greenville, MI, at the Rydahl family farm. The wedding was a simple ceremony attended by Chris’ grandmother Emma (known affectionately as Besmo) and their close friends. Athletically inclined, Chris participated in many sports and eventually became an avid runner. The late 80s brought on what Chris thought was an over-use injury. The tripping that developed while running was eventually diagnosed as MS (multiple sclerosis). Chris’ unrelenting determination led him to swimming when running was no longer an option. From the Two-hearted river in the UP to the Manistee River in the northern lower peninsula of Michigan, Chris loved to float by canoe, accompanied by his friends and family. As Chris’ mother, Lois, always says, “Chris was a great little traveler” from his early years when the family relocated several times. Chris traveled the US in the years following high school and those travels continued during his life with Cindy in their many travels throughout the states and abroad. Frequent trips to the California wine country to visit friends led Chris to develop a love of wine…although his soft spot for a nice sip of bourbon never waned. Being a spiritual person, Chris chose a green burial at the Peninsula Township Cemetery. Attended by immediate family. A celebration of Chris’ life will take place at the Cathedral Barn in Traverse City on Wednesday, September 21st, 2022, from 5-9pm. Those wishing an expression of sympathy may consider Leelanau Conservancy or the Danish Brotherhood Hall, Greenville, MI in Chris’ honor as they were both important to him. Chris and his family are being cared for by the Reynolds Jonkhoff Funeral Home.

Christopher E. Rydahl

December 3, 1950 - September 5, 2022