Christopher Joseph Von Hagel

VON HAGEL, Christopher Joseph, 32, Died July 1, 2014 in Winter Haven, Florida. He was born March 28, 1982, in Long Island, New York to Keith and Suzette Von Hagel. His father was as tile setter. His mother was a homemaker. They moved to Florida in 1989. Christopher graduated from Durant High School in 2000. After graduation he started cooking at Woody’s BBQ in Valrico and after a time period as a roughing plumber he entered the retail customer service industry. Christopher was a free spirited individual, very seldom if ever following the norm. His sense of humor even sometimes dry was delivered as though he was a seasoned comedian. He could bring a laugh to most a smile to everyone. His interests while varied, included listening to music, such as Iron Maiden (His all-time favorite), Slayer, Cradle of Filth, King Diamond, and Trans-Siberian Orchestra to name a few. Playing the guitar was perhaps the most relaxing thing he did. I don’t know I would call it a hobby but, he had the gift of just listening to a song and without the ability to read a single note, pickup his guitar and play that song perfectly. Possessing an uncanny ability to know just when to start playing to liven up a party or to put a child to sleep. Drawing was another ability that seemed to come to him naturally. Christopher’s drawings portrayed thoughts so detailed that no words were needed to explain the emotions he was feeling at the time. Christopher also enjoyed MMA. If you wanted to know anything about this sport he was the one to ask. He knew the names, the moves, and was excited to share this with anyone that asks. Of all the things he was able to do none even compared to the birth of his son Christopher. Nothing brought him more joy than his sons smile and all the precious moments he spent with him. From the moment he was born his thoughts were of him all the fun things they did and he had hoped to do with him. During hard times and sad times, you bring up his son and suddenly things were not so bad. Christopher was preceded in death by his grandfather, Leo Von Hagel; grandmother, Joann McGhee; cousin, Eileen Hunkele. He is survived by his son, Christopher Joseph Von Hagel Jr.; parents, Suzette and Jeff Cole and Keith Von Hagel and Liz Pruitt; brothers, Jason Von Hagel, Keith Von Hagel Jr., Brandon Von Hagel, Jeremy Cole; sisters, Shannon Von Hagel, Kristie Gonzalez; grandmother, Doris Von Hagel; uncles, Stephen Rayda, Ray Rayda, Donnie Saltzman; aunts, Karen Hunkele, Linda Bonser; cousins, Ray Rayda Jr., Adrian Hunkele; as well as a loving extended family and circle of friends. A visitation will be held 4-8 pm Tuesday, July 8 at Stowers Funeral Home, Brandon. Christopher will be deeply missed by his family and friends, but will live on in their hearts and memories.