Christopher Michael Thesenvitz, at the age of 40 years old, known and beloved to many as ‘Taz’, passed away at the VA Hospice Cottages on Monday, March 16, 2026. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m., Monday, March 23, 2026, at the St. Therese Catholic Church, Sioux Falls. Visitation will be from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m., Sunday, March 22, 2026, at the George Boom Funeral Home & On-Site Crematory. A Liturgical Wake Service with Rosary will begin at 7:00 p.m. following the visitation.
In Lieu of flowers, please direct memorials to the Thesenvitz Family for his children or the St. Therese Little Flower Knights of Columbus Council 6605.
Christopher was born on September 25, 1985, in Elgin, Illinois, to Michael and Theresa Thesenvitz, grew up in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. He attended Franklin Elementary, Whittier Middle School, and Washington High School, where he was active in theatre, band, and accelerated academics. It was during marching band, serving as Drum Major that he met his future wife, Laura, the color guard captain. Their high school relationship was the start of a lifelong love story.
In March of 2004, Christopher began his military career by joining the South Dakota Air National Guard, 114th Fighter Wing, as a crew chief. Following high school graduation, he completed Basic Military Training at Lackland Air Force Base and technical training at Sheppard Air Force Base and Luke Air Force Base. Early in his career, he received the nickname “Taz” from his first flight chief, who jokingly preferred it to pronouncing his last name, a name that stuck and became well known and respected across the flightline.
In 2006, he was hired full-time as a Dedicated Crew Chief. His leadership, steady presence, and deep commitment to excellence led him to the role of Flightline Expeditor in September 2017, and later to Production Superintendent in February 2022. Throughout his 21 years of service, Christopher deployed multiple times overseas as well as other in-country locations in support of training and operational missions. He was deeply proud to serve his country and especially valued the Airmen he mentored and led. He was medically retired in October 2025 after 21 years of honorable service.
Christopher and Laura were married in 2010 and built a life centered on faith, family, and devotion to one another. He was a proud and devoted father to Tristan (Gosch), Claire, and Henry. Nothing brought him greater joy than supporting his children in their sports, activities, and everyday moments.
A man of strong faith, Christopher was deeply involved in his parish and community. He was an active member of the Knights of Columbus, serving as a 3rd Degree Knight with the Little Flower Council 6605 and as a 4th Degree Knight with the Bishop Paul V. Dudley Assembly. He believed in service not only to his country, but to his church and community.
He is survived by his loving wife, Laura; his children, Tristan (Gosch), Claire, and Henry, of whom he was incredibly proud; his parents, Michael and Theresa Thesenvitz; his sister Andrea (William) Leesch; his brother Brent (Kelli) Knaeble; his sister Carissa (Landon) Leverenz; his grandmother, Linda Lewis (Thesenvitz); and several nieces and nephews whom he adored. He also leaves behind cherished in-laws, aunts, uncles, extended family, and several friends who will always be considered family.
He was preceded in death by his three infant unborn angels; his maternal grandparents, Edmund and Valentina Krych; his paternal grandparents, Arthur and Darlene Thesenvitz; and his infant brother, Kenneth.
May we all honor Christopher by following these words quoted from his closing remarks from his retirement speech that is a true example of how he endeavored to lead life with hope and positivity: “Find the blessings always and live each day to the fullest not knowing what the next will bring. Only God knows what the next day holds, so all we can do is trust in His plan for each of us. Thank you, and God bless.”
Celebrate a life with the whole community in The Dakota Scout. Contact obits@thedakotascout.com to have your loved one remembered today.