Christopher Killian

Christopher Joseph Killian, age 46, of Crookston, MN and formerly of Fosston, MN, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, December 11th, at his home. A visitation will be held from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. followed by a memorial service at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 28th, at the Carlin Funeral Home in Fosston. Interment will be in St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery Hansville, rural Fosston, at a later date. Arrangements are with Carlin Family Funeral Service of Fosston and messages of condolence may be shared at www.carlinfuneral.com.

Christopher Joseph Killian, born on December 20, 1977, in Fosston, MN, was the youngest of five siblings to parents, Dennis and Joyce Killian. Christopher passed away on December 11, 2024, in Crookston, Minnesota at 46 years old. He is now resting peacefully with his father. 

Chris spent all of his life in northern Minnesota, primarily in Fosston. He worked in construction for most of his career, specializing in concrete work, brick and stone. Whether collaborating with his father, Dennis Killian, pursuing projects independently, or working for others, Chris took pride in his craft and the tangible results of his labor. Evidence of his practiced art can be found in northern Minnesota homes, banks, schools, grocery stores and parks - a mark of God’s handwriting in the visible world.

An avid outdoorsman, Chris found joy and solace in nature. He spent countless hours fishing and hunting with his dad, brother Shawn, brother-in-law Scott and his children - Amelia and Ashton. These activities brought him peace and connected him to the beauty of the world around him and also deepened his bonds with loved ones. He had a passion for riding and racing snowmobiles (Arctic Cats only), and enjoyed the thrill of speed, as if chasing freedom on the open road ahead. The numerous adventures in the mountains left an indelible mark on those who had the privilege to share those experiences with him.

Chris was never afraid to take on new opportunities and looked at life as a challenge with a “let’s get-er-done” attitude. While around him, we felt his energy and enormous zest for life. He was well-liked and deeply loved by all who knew him. His smile, his presence, and his joy in living to the fullest was a gift he gave regardless of the struggles he may have been enduring in his own life. 

Whether our memories of Chris be of fishing from the docks of Maple Lake or the depths of Lake of the Woods, the admiration of the work from his inherited hands, the laughter he brought through his storytelling, the generous offerings of his strong arms, or the adoration of his many young nieces and nephews, we will remember his goodness, his generosity, and the passion he carried in his heart. It radiates the gifts of his parents. May it be this that is passed on throughout his legacy.

Chris is survived by his mother, Joyce (Ostrowski) Killian, children Amelia and Ashton, siblings Shari Killian Daniels (husband Scott Daniels), Becky Killian Haugen (husband Craig Haugen), Shawn Killian (wife Joanne Carlson Killian) and Rachel Killian Spry. He was preceded in death by his father, Dennis Killian. 

His memory lives on with his nieces and nephews: Lauren (Daniels) Ricks (husband Nick Ricks), Marcus Daniels, Gracie Daniels, Ryan Daniels, Christian Haugen, Cameron Killian, Claire Killian, Carly Killian, Josie Spry and Leo Spry. 

Christopher, so young, so talented, so beloved. You will be missed by so many who loved you dearly.