George Christopher "Chris" Hasselkus

George "Chris" Hasselkus, age 81, of Perrysburg, Ohio lost his battle with cancer on May 28,2024, peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family. Chris was born on August 30, 1942, in Toledo, Ohio to Russel Bradley and Norma (Voll) Hasselkus. He grew up in Toledo and was a proud graduate of Harvard (Elementary School, that is) one of his favorite stories to share. He satisfied his love of nature and talking to people by working at his favorite job as Manager Ranger at Side Cut Metroparks in Maumee for 20-plus years, loving every minute. He then moved to Ocala, Florida in 1986 and worked at Florida Pest Control until his retirement in 2009. In his retirement he was able to fulfill his dream of driving a school bus by driving for Marion County Schools. He loved driving the bus and interacting with the kids.

Chris had many hobbies and interests. He was an accomplished bowler in Toledo, even bowling two perfect 300 games during his career. He satisfied his desire to interact with the world as an Amateur Shortwave Radio Enthusiast. He connected with people across the globe from his home wayyyy before the internet was available. His love for travel extended to driving across the U.S. (he wouldn't fly) to take in the beauty of 47 of the 50 states! Chris was also a history buff, specifically of Northwest Ohio. He enjoyed learning about Tecumseh and the Shawnee Nation as well as the struggles in the Great Lakes Region. This led to his passion for sharing information through asking trivia questions of his kids and grandchildren (and anyone else who would play). Most notably, was his love of baseball. He coached Maumee Little League for many seasons and even more importantly, he was Cincinnati Reds biggest fan! Win or lose, he watched/ listened to every Reds game. There were times he drove for hours from his home so he could catch the signal and listen to the game.

Chris found the love of his life, his soul mate in 1986 when he married Hope M. (Weinheimer). She was his best friend, biggest supporter, and heroic companion. Together they had a blended family that included children: Cindy (James) Hasselkus-Light, Debbie (John) Leibig, Rick (Tina) Hasselkus, Laura (Denis) Logan, Chris (Jennifer) Hasselkus, John (Tania) Hiles; grandchildren: Denis Logan, Samantha (Hussein) Awada, Kira Light, Shane Leibig, Serena (Rob) Shumate, Riley (Taylor) Hasselkus, Valerie (John) Fenimore, Dylan Logan, Morgan Hasselkus, Wesley Hiles, Simon Leibig, Evan Williams and Logan Williams; great grandchildren: Jordan, Brayden, Ryan and Brennley. He was preceded in death by his parents, Russel B Hasselkus and Norma Szarlip and his sister Gretchen Hasselkus.

Chris loved First Corinthians 13, "Love is Patient, Love is kind". He wants us all to remember that and to live our lives putting Love first!

Visitation will be from 4-7 p.m., Friday, June 7, 2024, in the Maison-Dardenne-Walker Funeral Home, 501 Conant Street, Maumee, Ohio 43537. Graveside services will be private.

Memorial contributions can be made in Chris' name to the National Park Foundation.