Christian Ryan Rilk

Friday, Jan. 19, 2024

February 24, 1974 ~ November 18, 2023

Our beloved husband, father, opa, 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 and along came his brother Alex. The two were so close, and now Alex will have a big hole in his heart with the loss of his big brother. 

Chris was raised Catholic; he was an alter server and attended parochial schools. After graduating from Judge Memorial Catholic High School, Chris served in the U.S. Marine Corps as an infantryman from 1992-1999. While serving he earned his Associate of Science in criminal justice from Salt Lake Community College. 

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. Chris was preceded in death by his uncle Mike Walkenhorst and father-in-law Jaylynn Frost Jackson.

Chris grew up traveling the world with his family, from cruises and traveling Europe from Finland to France and Italy and everything in between. He loved to hear the stories about his father escaping out of East Germany. He loved meeting people and the different cultures.  He took this love of travel into his own family. 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 his son Jarred, and finally his daughter Danika.

Chris worked for Carlson Distributing for 25 years, starting in 1999 as a driver. He quickly moved into sales in 2004, where he thrived for many years and was promoted to category management in 2022.  Chris was loved and respected by all retailers, suppliers, competitors and the Carlson team. Chris will be missed by all who knew him. He was a leader and very passionate about his career with Carlson. He cared very deeply for the company, his co-workers and his accounts.

A veteran’s service was held on November 27, 2023 at Camp Williams. A funeral Mass was celebrated at St. Martin de Porres Catholic Church on November 30, 2023.