Christopher "Chris" John Lagerstrom of Deer River passed away peacefully at St. Catherine's Veterans Hospice Unit in Fargo N.D. April 25th 2026 after a bout with cancer and kidney failure.  Chris was a Army Vet with the 101st Air Borne and proud of it.

Chris was born November 3, 1955, in Baudette, MN. To Louis and Francine Lagerstrom.

Chris was a lover of the outdoors.  A day on the lake or in the woods is what he lived for.  He was a fishing guide for many years with many clients from the Twin Cities area.  His catch would be kept in the freezer until he had enough, and he'd take it to the Deer River VFW where he'd put on a huge fish fry for the vet's that packed the house.  Perfect fillets and not a bone found!

In the fall he'd turn to the woods, scoping out the deer and getting his stand ready.  He'd watch for the perfect one buck or doe and 9 out of 10 came out with the perfect one!  And once again had a meal for the Vets!

Chris was an avid cook and started at a young age in this parents' business, Fran's Pizza in Grand Rapids.  He was head chef at the Rainbow for a number of years.  Him and his wife Shirley owned and operated the Park Hotel and Restaurant in Park Rapids and were full on each and every day with their specials.  He loved life and the beauty of nature.

Chris was preceded in death by his parents, sister Mary Lou Kirtland, brother Louie, wife Shirley "Ducky", grandparents Tom & Agnes Hardy of Int'l Falls, Nephews Brett and Billy Matzdorf.

He is survived by his significant other of many years Sue Howard, Sister Dawn (Don) Odden, Grand Rapids, Barb DuHamel (Rob Week), Sauk Rapids, stepsister Judy Thompson, Garrison. Daughter's Sarah Lagerstrom (David Darr), New Prague, Jen (Rob) Johnson, Prior Lake, Grandsons Riley and Hayden, niece and nephews Denise (Scott) Wass, Troy (Wendy) Odden, Danny Odden, Sue's family Jenn and Robb Wake and many, many friends.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, April 30, 2026, beginning at 1:00 PM at Rowe Funeral Home, Grand Rapids, MN with a memorial service to follow at 2:00 PM at the funeral home.  Rev Charles Nelson will officiate.  Burial with full military honors will be accorded by the Deer River Veterans Honor Guard at Itasca-Calvary Cemetery, Grand Rapids, MN.

Arrangements are with Rowe Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Grand Rapids, MN. To sign the online guestbook or send condolences visit www.rowefuneralhomeandcrematory.com.