Christian Ryan Rilk

Our beloved husband, father, son, brother, uncle and friend passed away on November 18, 2023, at the age of 49. Chris was born on February 24, 1974 in Salt Lake City, Utah, to Linda and Bernd Rilk. Chris was an only child for six years until his brother Alex came along, which did not sit well with Chris at the time. After a few months he decided it wasn't so bad to have a younger brother and the two became best buds as they grew up. Alex will have a big hole in his heart with the loss of his big brother. He loved his brother no matter what.

Chris was raised Catholic and attended Parochial School System graduating from Judge Memorial. After graduating high school, Chris served in the United States Marine Corps as an Infantryman from 1992-1999. To be in the Marine’s was to be part of a family and that was something Chris took very seriously. From traveling around Utah helping other Veterans in need, to planning amazing Marine Corp Balls, to Charity drives. He always made it his top priority to be there for one of his brothers. While serving he earned his Associates of Science in Criminal Justice at Salt Lake Community College. Chris maintained lifelong friendships with his band of brothers and that brought him great joy.

At a very young age Chris traveled the Western U.S and Western Europe with his family, which included visiting the Berlin Wall. Chris and his brother wanted to cross over the wall to East Berlin, but with his father escaping years prior, he told them the wall would always be around for them to visit at a later time. Fortunately for the brothers that time would never come as 3 months later the wall was torn down.

Chris had a love for Soccer that started at a young age, taking him to Nationals. The passion for Soccer continued with coaching his younger brother Alex, then onto Chris's son Jarred, and finally his daughter Danika's in her high school years. He was an amazing coach and made a huge impact wherever he was.

Chris married the love of his life, Nichole Jackson Rilk on October 28, 2000. Chris is survived by his Wife, Nichole Rilk. His children Jarred (Danielle) Jackson and Danika Rilk along with his Grandchildren, Niklaus, Ian and Hunter. His Parents, Linda and Bernd Rilk and Brother Alex (Tirzah) Rilk, niece Tabitha and nephew Gavin Rilk. Chris was preceded in death by his uncle, Mike Walkenhorst and Father-in-law, Jaylynn Frost Jackson.

Chris worked for Carlson Distributing for 25 years. Starting in 1999 as a driver and quickly moved into sales in 2004 where he thrived for many years and was promoted to Category Management in 2022.

Chris played an integral part in building out Carlson’s Category Management business in recent years. He had a significant impact on the Category Management even before he was part of the team. Everyone around him knew how much he wanted to win, and he motivated everyone he talked with. Chris was loved and respected by all retailers, suppliers, competitors and the Carlson team. Chris will be missed by all that knew him. Chris made friends that have become family. He was a leader and very passionate about his career with Carlson. He cared very deeply for the company and his accounts.

Chris loved sailing the Oceans, Traveling, Mountain Biking, Golfing, F1 Racing and College Football but a big love was to Cook, he could come up with the most amazing concoctions. Chris loved watching Red Bull Rampage with a White Claw in his hand with the yummiest food. Most of all, Chris cherished spending time with his family.

Chris had an amazing way of making people laugh and educating everyone from Sports to History. Chris was a very intelligent man and was unique in his very own way. Chris was always full of light and energy, full of ideas and always knew how to handle life.

Chris was our rock, and the light of our lives. He always had a way of making us laugh. He always wanted to bring joy to everyone’s lives. He was very intelligent and had a gift of teaching and communicating with us to help us understand life and daily situations. If I didn’t understand or know something, he would help me understand it in a loving and compassionate way. He always made good decisions for the family and was completely unselfish when making those decisions. We have made some very special memories and was a very special man. To know him was to love him. He will be greatly missed. Love, Nichole Rilk.

My dad was the strongest man I knew. He had the biggest heart. He always puts everyone first before himself. He always made sure everyone was okay and had what they needed, and always wanted everyone to be happy before himself. Chris was always there by my side to protect me. He may not be by my side right now, but he will always have my heart and always be a big part of my life. He is and will always be my Hero. Love Danika Rilk

A public viewing will be held on Monday November 27, 2023, from 10:00 am-12:00 pm with a service to follow from 12:00 – 1:00 pm at Camp Williams Sunrise Chapel located at 17111 S Camp Williams Rd, Bluffdale, UT 84065. A celebration of life will be held on a different date, please check social media for details.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.utahfamilyfuneralcare.com for the Rilk family.