Fortified with the Sacraments of Holy Mother Church Saturday, August 15, 2020. Beloved husband of Shirley Christanell (nee Early) for 38 years; dearest father of Corey (Gretchen) Christanell, Jeff (Mandy) Christanell and Kelly (Kevin) Hennessy; loving grandfather of Chad and Cameron Christanell, Kate Christanell, Connor, Pearse and Jack Hennessy; dear brother of Nan (the late Joe) Gaterman, Sandy (the late Jim) Bujnak and Mary (Steve) McAllister; dear brother-in-law of the late George Early; our dear uncle, cousin and friend to many.
Raised on 9th & Utah, down the street from “the brewery” and across the way from St. Agatha parish, Mike was a handful for his parents Clarence and Edna. Spent many days on the ballfields of Cherokee Park before moving on to St. Mary’s High School, where he graduated in 1963 and was later inducted into their sports Hall of Fame.
His career spanned 28 years at Von Hoffmann press before moving on to his true calling, Pepper’s Bar & Grill.
“Julio” made friendships and memories at every stage of life – the ballfields, high school, the corkball club, Big Red football games, Pepper’s, Cardinal day games, March Madness Vegas trips and many more experiences. He made friends at every interaction and touched a lot of people along the way.
He was passionate about a lot of things in life but nothing more than the love for his family. Nothing made him happier than being with them, singing his favorite songs on the jukebox with a Bud Select and a cigar in hand.
He was a larger than life personality, our hero, our rock, our Dad, our Husband, our Paw Paw, our Brother, our Uncle and our Friend will be dearly missed.
SERVICES: Visitation for the public at KUTIS AFFTON Chapel 10151 Gravois Wed., Aug. 19 from 4-8 pm. Funeral Mass at St. Matthias Catholic Church private to family. Interment Mt. Olive Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials to Alzheimer’s Association appreciated.
Corey, Jeff, Kelly, Shirley,Nan, Sandy, and Mary,
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of your, Husband,Father, and Brother, my cousin. Mike was a great guy and funny in all the good ways I have some great memories of him as I was growing up on 9th St. with aunt Edna and uncle Clarence, also through the years as I got older. When I started working at AB in the labor gang when I first started which was on 9th street, I kept thinking I know aunt Edna live across the street, I was real young and also used to pull the weeds for the dullies next to them. Might of spelled the name wrong. But we had some fun at that house playing all those yard games. I think Mike and me were cut from the same clothe, because I was a handful also and they, (sisters) used to say your just like Mike. I’m going to give you my phone and Tex information so Nan, Sandy, Mary and Kids let’s keep in touch.
Love to all
Mark and Carol Lee
314-852-0527
mlee2168@gmail.com
Christanell Family,
I was sorry to hear of Mike’s passing. I first met Mike when he was the batboy for our St. Anthony senior baseball teams back in the late 50’s. A lot of the St. Agatha guys including his brother-in-law Joe Gaterman played for us in those days. I used to remind him of his batboy days whenever I ran into to him at Pepper’s, Big Red games, SLU basketball games or any athletic event where our paths crossed.
Mike was a fun loving good guy.
Sorry for your loss.
Gerry Everding
There are those individuals we meet in life that are unique. Someone who stands out, one you have fond memories of. Mike was that type of individual. I’ve known Mike since I was in grade school and in all those years he never really seemed to change. Mike and I were batboys for the St. Agatha’s girls softball team, when we were about ten years old. His Dad coached and his sisters Nan and Sandy, as well as my Sister played on that team. Mike was always joking, giving you a “story” that you would have a good laugh at. My favorite one was of him and Shirley winning a dance contest, in north St. Louis, with the first prize being a live puppy. Hearing Mike tell that story was always fun. He said he couldn’t get rid of the puppy all night it just kept coming back to him. Or another one of my favorites was when meeting him at different events like Saturday Night at the Races at St. Mary’s He would say, “Hey Bobby, come over here I want you to meet my bride” and see Shirley roll her eyes as he had introduced me to her many times. Like I say this guy was unique, special, and will be truly missed by all of us Dragons who grew up with him. Timmy Divis has you now, good luck, stay on your toes Mike and try and keep him out of trouble.
It is a sad day for your family. It is so hard to loose your husband & father who has touched so many lives! I remember Julio from Pepper’s bar & Don & I have always had a good time with your family! RIP Julio & have a drink in heaven with my Don & so many friends who passed too early! I’m so sorry…Marie Dill