(262) 653-0667
3016 75th Street, Kenosha, WI 53142
Christopher James Belanger, 41, of Green Bay, WI, born on February 16, 1982, to John Belanger and Jane Cadieux, died unexpectedly on September 8, 2023.
Christopher was a kind and generous man who loved his family more than anything in the world. His children and grandchildren were his pride and joy. He was a compassionate, caring person who would give you the shirt off his back without giving it a second thought.
Christoper struggled with substance use and mental health challenges for most of his adult life. These demons chased him through periods of intense darkness as well as periods of joyful victory. In the end, Christopher succumbed to these demons.
Yet, even in the darkest periods of his life, Christopher’s heart was with his family. No matter how low he would be, no matter how much pain he was in, he would always reach out to his children with an “I love you” message.
Lest anyone should think that the demons have won, we assure you, they have not. Christopher was a baptized Christian whose faith was in Jesus Christ. Among his few personal possessions, sitting prominently on his dresser, were his Bible and his “Twenty-Four Hours a Day” recovery book.
If even one person who has been touched by Christopher’s life, whether in person or by reading his story, gets the help they need, then his legacy will have been fulfilled.
Christopher is survived by his children Malena (Dylan) Forner and Kale Franda; his grandchildren Marlee and Maisleigh Forner; his parents John and Mary Belanger, Jane Cadieux and Glenn Seidl; his siblings Paul (Stephanie) Belanger, William Belanger, and Samantha (Zachariah) Webster; and his grandmothers Mary Ann Richert and Elizabeth Lakenen. He is also survived by several nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, and many friends whom he considered family, along with his brothers and sisters in recovery.
He is preceded in death by his stepfather Mark Cadieux; grandparents Dean and Elaine Belanger, Bruno Richert, Lee and Sylvia Schultz, Byron and Lois Kerin, and John Cadieux; aunts, uncles, and friends in recovery.
Visitation will be held at First Presbyterian Church, 200 South Ashland Ave, Green Bay, WI on Saturday, November 4th, from 11 am until the memorial service at 1 pm. For those unable to attend in person, the service will be live streamed on Facebook using this link: https://fb.me/e/40bfzqTLk
The family is hoping to sponsor at least one person for residential treatment in Chris’ memory. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Jackie Nitschke Center at P.O. Box 1085, Green Bay, WI 54305.
The family would like to thank the community for their outpouring of love and support as we searched for Christopher. A special heartfelt thank you to Detective Craig Brey of the Green Bay police department, along with other members of the Green Bay, Kenosha, and Pleasant Prairie police departments, for their collaborative and tireless efforts in bringing Christopher home.
Casey Family Options Funerals and Cremations
Stephen P. Casey, Funeral Director, and Owner
(262)653-0667
www.CaseyFamilyOptions.com
Mon - Fri: 8AM - 4PM
(262) 653-0667
3016 75th Street, Kenosha, WI 53142
Judith A Entringer says:
We came to know Chris through my son, Tim. They had been friends since they were young.There was a group of them who hung out together. Whenever we would see Chris, he always was polite and respectful, engaged in conversations with us and always had a big smile! All of these boys have had difficulties and demons which which have caused much pain for them and their families. I was always sick with worry. I finally had to turn it over to God. I left it to God to take care of him, no matter what happened. That is how I cope today. I still worry plenty but it doesn’t consume me. Tim still has his issues. Like your son, he has a big heart. That counts for so much! God will take care of him. He is at peace with no pain or turmoil. Just joy. He is in God’s hands. I do pray for your family-For God to give you strength and ease your grief. It is so difficult to mourn.
Kaytlyn Myers says:
John, I’m so sorry to hear about your son’s passing. I know my mom would be offering you a big hug and a prayer if she were still with us. She spoke about him to me from time to time. I don’t know if there’s life after this ,but if there is maybe she’s with him now. Offering him a hug instead of you. Singing to him a song that bestows peace. Your family is on my mind. Hang in there. My deepest condolences.
John Belanger says:
Thank you Kaytlyn! I assure you, there is life after this, and your mom, and our son, are living that life, free of pain and turmoil.
Jenna Oberlin says:
I never met Chris, but I know his brother Willie pretty well and if Chris had half the heart that his brother does, and I’m sure he did, then he was a wonderful person. The world is less bright without people like that. My heart breaks for Willie and his whole family. To lose a sibling is to lose a piece of your heart. Sending prayers!
Vern Malchow says:
May he rest in peace.
Vern Malchow says:
May he rest in peace.
Cindy Marshall says:
My nephew took his life in 2020 he had bipolar. You always think if only I did this or said that. But I don’t know how a person feels when they are that low. We never talked about it that deeply. Wish I would of. God Bless you and your family. I’m glad they have that 988 number. May save lives.
Ann Lotter says:
John and family I have been praying for your family. Cherish the memories of Chris. Those memories will help you get through the difficult days ahead.
William LaBine says:
My deepest condolences Samantha and family members. I had the honor of knowing Chris when his demons had taken everything but his life from him. Chris trusted me enough to guide him beyond those demons, one by one, inch by inch, tear by tear, healing not able to be done by the average soul. I am so happy that he was free for a few years. Now the demons are no longer chasing him, screaming at him, whispering to him, fooling him, keeping him awake at night. I am certain he is at peace in heaven, and still a part of your lives. I know addiction and mental illness can be fatal even with treatment. Chris, thank you for entering my life and touching my heart. Samantha, the love for your brother, that you have publicly shared, has inspired me to love deeper. Thank you!
Jessica Nord says:
My condolences to John, Mary, Samantha, Will, Paul, Malena, Kale and all the numerous family along side of them. Chris had the biggest heart of anyone I’ve ever known and we helped each other through difficult times over the years. But the joyous occasions will always outweigh the sad when I remember him. Even mundane tasks like cleaning and shopping were more fun doing with Chris. Some day we will push each other in shopping carts again, in the next life.
Jack R Martin says:
Never forget you chris and the impact you had on my life and recoverey. Green bay lost a great man..but his spirit along with the great memories will live forever in my heart and mind.RIP chris love you brother!!