Kris Essenyi

At 6'4" tall and close to 300 lbs., the stature of Kris Essenyi might have been intimidating to some, yet it wouldn't take more than a moment of talking to him to realize he was really just a gentle bear. He was caring and compassionate, and always looked out for the people closest to him. Friends would often come to him for advice because they knew he would listen and respond with good and honest answer. Kris was a young man of faith and integrity, who never passed up the chance to experience the joy that comes from living every day to its fullest and in the company of friends and family. As autumn inched closer and closer in Grand Haven, Michigan, the first touch of cool weather was blowing in off of Lake Michigan and the leaves were beginning to reveal their warmer shades of red, gold, and orange. Enjoying the break from the summer heat, Judith (Radikopf) Essenyi was nine months pregnant and anxiously awaiting the arrival of her second child. She and husband, John, already had one son, eight year old Keith, and were quite anxious for him to have a younger sibling. Finally, on September 21, 1979, their dreams were realized when the welcomed Kris Andrew in the world. By the time baby Kris came along, older brother Keith was busy going to school and both of his parents had established careers. For a time his father had worked at the Ottawa County Sheriff's Department and later at General Motors, while his mother worked for Rich DeVos and then at Chemical Bank. This left plenty of time for Kris to bond with his maternal grandparents, Harold and Marie Radikopf. Marie had made a career of managing the home she shared with Harold and they both loved to pour their love and attention onto their grandson. To Kris, his grandparents were more like parents and he absolutely adored spending time with them. From the time he entered kindergarten, Kris attended Grand Haven Public Schools. At the age of ten, he also joined the big brother program. By the time Kris got to Grand Haven High School, however, it was apparent that he wasn't going to be a little boy for long, but he never used his size to intimidate. Instead, he used it to his advantage on the football field playing for Grand Haven High. During this time it was also becoming obvious that Kris had a special talent for mechanics and engine repair, so he enrolled in Diesel School at the technical center. Unfortunately, he suffered a crushed left arm while playing football and as a result of his injury and rehabilitation, he was not able to graduate. Even though he didn't get the chance to complete his training, as soon as his arm was on the mend, Kris was back to fixing cars and trucks. Ever since he had learned how to drive, he had a passion for trucks and loved to go mud running. He entered several races over the years and had won many of them. Following a race, everyone loved to sit around and relax while watching the mud fall from the trucks. Kris's rule of thumb for racing was, "the muddier the better!" When Kris was 24 years old, he suffered another setback when his beloved father John passed away. Kris relied on his friends and family during this time, particularly his uncle Brian whom he was very close to. Brian lived behind Kris and on the weekend's they enjoyed looking over cars and trucks together and hanging out in Brian's pole barn to watch television with friends or just shoot the breeze. Kris's gentle personality made him an easy person to be around and he was always surrounded by lots of friends who shared his same interests and passions. One of the best ways to tell how much Kris enjoyed living life is by the many hobbies and pastimes he had. He loved to play pool for Sportsman's Bar in Grand Haven and had made his sponsor very proud, winning several trophies. He also liked fishing, target shooting, and attending knife shows. He had a large knife collection of various kinds and owned several guns, including rifles, shotguns, and pistols. Although he had a competitive nature as evidenced by his favorite pastimes, Kris also had a soft spot for pets and over the years he and his family had owned a countless number of animals. Recently, a German Sheppard puppy had stolen his heart, but at just 10 months old it fell ill and died a short time later after being misdiagnosed. Kris was deeply saddened by the loss of his young companion. In the days leading up to his passing, Kris had learned that after a year long process, documentation had cleared the way for him to be accepted as a United States Merchant Marine, where it is certain that with his abilities he would have been a valuable asset. A member of St. John's Lutheran Church and the Fraternal Order of Eagles in Grand Haven, Kris was an extraordinary young man with a bright future ahead of him. But On Friday, May 4, 2007, God revealed that He had even bigger plans for Kris and called him home. With his passing, he leaves behind his black cat Sammie and a host of family and friends, who mourn his sudden passing, while celebrating the life that he lived. Mr. Kris Andrew Essenyi, age 27, was called home by his maker, Friday, May 4, 2007. Surviving are his mother, Judie Essenyi of West Olive; brother, Keith Essenyi & fianc, Melissa VanderMark, of Wyoming, MI; aunts & uncles, Ronald & Marilyn Radikopf, James & Cherryl Potter, Mark Radikopf, Brian & Barbara Radikopf; and many cousins. He was preceded in death by his father and grandparents, Alex & Mary Essenyi, and Harold & Marie Radikopf. Services will be held on Tuesday, May 8, 2007, 1:00 PM at the Clock Chapel-Grand Haven with Pastor Deiter Haupt and Pastor Wayne Muri officiating. A visitation will be held on Tuesday, one hour prior to the service at Clock Life Story Funeral Home - Grand Haven. Memorial donations may be made to the family. Please visit Kris's personal memory page at www.lifestorynet.com to leave a memory or sign the online guest book.