Chris Stifle, 55, of Robinson, IL, passed away on February 2, 2025, in the comfort of his home, surrounded by the love of his family. Born on February 19, 1969, in Robinson, Chris didn’t just grow up in the rural stretches of Robinson and Oblong—he thrived there. The great outdoors was his playground, where dirt wasn’t something to clean off but a canvas for childhood adventures. He fished and hunted with his uncles, wrestled with neighborhood boys, and probably came home more times than his grandma could count with grass-stained knees and a grin that said, “It was worth it.” At Oblong High School, Chris found his passion in sports. Football and baseball weren’t just hobbies—they were his heartbeat. Basketball? Sure, he played, but his real love was under the Friday night lights and on the baseball diamond.
Life threw Chris a curveball at 15 when he faced cancer for the first time, but he wasn’t one to sit on the sidelines. After chemo, he switched positions in football and walked back onto the field, determined to keep playing the game he loved. His baseball coach even gifted him a cap he was allowed to wear in school—a small but powerful badge of honor for a kid who never let setbacks steal his joy. He graduated with the Class of 1987, and the resilience he showed during those years became the foundation for how he faced every challenge in life. That strength wasn’t just physical—though yes, he did manhandle a fridge down the stairs by himself—it was part of who he was. Whether tackling the toughest jobs or battling cancer again later in life, Chris met it all head-on. But beyond that toughness was a heart that beat fiercely for his people.
That same heart showed up in everything he did—especially in his work. Whether it was his years with Labor Local #1197, his time at the Carbon Plant, or the pride he felt joining the Operators Union Local #841, he poured himself into every job. Even when illness slowed him down, his hands didn’t stay idle for long. The garage became his sanctuary—a place where he could take apart anything with wheels and put it back together better than before. Tractors, derby cars, trucks—you name it, he could fix it. But that garage wasn’t just for projects; it doubled as his personal sports bar where he cheered on his beloved Pittsburgh Steelers and St. Louis Cardinals.
Chris also had a soft spot for the open road—his Harley was more than a bike; it was freedom on two wheels. He rode in Poker Runs, made the annual pilgrimage to Hog Rock, and cruised the countryside whenever he could. His wife, Erynn, was a bit wary of the long rides, but Chris didn’t mind keeping things local. He lived for those simple joys: mushroom hunting in the woods, fishing at his in-laws’ cabin, golfing with the guys at Oak Glen, and playing Bingo every Thursday night at the Elks, where he never missed a chance to mix a little competition with a lot of fun. And oh, the derbies. Chris started smashing up cars at the Oblong Fair in his early 20s, and while most people slow down with age, Chris only revved up. In 2022, friends and family surprised him with a derby car for a comeback run, and the look on his face could’ve powered the whole fairground. He won the “Prettiest Car” contest that night, but the real prize was the sheer joy radiating from him. Slater and Elliott often joined him in the derby ring, and Payton even jumped in once—with a broken arm, no less (because of course, he did).
But if there’s one title Chris wore best, it was Family Man. He married the love of his life, Erynn (Maus) Stifle, on July 2, 1994, and together they built a life overflowing with love and especially laughter. After all, Chris’s humor was legendary. He loved to scare people—Erynn most of all. (Ask her about the time he left a fake snake for her to find; there’s even a video to prove it!) He collected stories like bottle caps, and speaking of which—if you ever stopped by the “Bottletop Bar” at Sullivan Lake Campground, you’d know Chris’s spirit lives there too! That bar, made from bottle caps sealed under epoxy, was more than a creative project—it was a testament to how Chris turned ordinary moments into lasting memories. He was the kind of dad and ‘papa’ who showed up, whether it was on the sidelines of his kids’ games or running around on a golf cart with his grandkids.
Chris and Erynn were partners in every adventure, turning every trip—and even the simplest moments—into unforgettable stories. They traveled to Panama City Beach three times (where Chris officiated their son Payton’s wedding), cruised through the Bahamas and Mexico, and explored Gatlinburg. But whether they were traveling or just sitting in their garage watching the game, it was the togetherness that mattered. Sundays were sacred in the Stifle house—not just for Steelers games but for family dinners where laughter echoed louder than any TV. In his phone, Erynn wasn’t just Erynn—she was saved as “Lucky Girl.” But truth be told, everyone who knew Chris was the lucky one. His contagious smile and larger-than-life spirit will echo in the hearts of those who knew and loved him. If we could take a page out of his book—living with the same resolve, joy, and love that poured out of him—we’d be all the better for it. And if he could see us doing just that, you can bet he’d flash that signature grin and say, “Well, good.”
Chris is survived by his wife, Erynn Stifle; his daughter & son-in-law, Krissy & Brad Buchanan; his sons & daughters-in-law, Tyler Lancaster, Slater Stifle, Payton & Jordan Stifle, and Elliott & Aireka Stifle; his daughter-in-law, Paige Campbell; his grandchildren, Clayton, Leah, McKenzie, Addy, Chesney, Kinslee, Baylor, and Hudson; his mother, Rebecca Hardy; his very special step-mother, Pam Catt; his sisters, Lyndsay Haraway and Kassie Catt; his parents-in-law, Terry & Vicki Maus; and his godmother, Lynda McCullough. He was preceded in death by his father, Kenneth Catt; his grandparents, Orville & Helen Stifle and Opal Carter; and his uncle, Mike Stifle.
Years ago, Chris made it clear how he wanted his services to go—visitation on a Friday evening so friends could come after work and a Saturday funeral because, in his words, he wanted Main Street shut down right in the middle of all the weekend traffic!
So, to honor his wishes, a time of visitation will be held from 4:00-7:00 p.m. on Friday, February 7th, at the Goodwine Funeral Home in Robinson. In true Chris fashion, his family requests that visitation attendees wear informal sports attire—whether it’s St. Louis Cardinals, Oblong Panthers, Robinson Maroons, or any team gear close to your heart. If you have a #stiflestrong shirt, please wear that! And if you own a pair of Hey Dudes, slip those on in his honor. A Masonic service will follow the visitation at 7:00 p.m. on Friday.
Funeral services will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 8th, at the funeral home, with Celebrant Curt Goodwine officiating. During the service, family and friends will have the opportunity to share their favorite memories of Chris. Following the service, Chris will be laid to rest at Mount Pleasant Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to his memorial fund, with checks payable to “Goodwine Funeral Homes.” Envelopes will be available at the funeral home. For more information, or to share a memory or condolence online, please visit www.goodwinefuneralhomes.com.
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