Christopher Joseph O'Neal was taken from us unexpectedly on June 9, 2023 at age 42. Chris is survived by the love of his life and wife Jenna Miller, brothers Timothy and Patrick O'Neal, sister Kathryn Collins, father Ricky Collins, grandmother Mary Collins, father and mother in-laws Philip Miller and Mary Colstad-Miller, sister-in-law Kathryn Miller/Eric Differt, two nieces, two nephews, an aunt, many uncles, cousins and treasured friends.

Chris was born on August 17, 1980 to Timothy O'Neal and Jennifer (Smital) O'Neal in Blue Island, Illinois. Chris grew up on a family hobby farm near Elkhorn, WI where he helped his mom and dad maintain the property, enjoyed playing basketball with his brother Pat, and playing pranks on his little sister Katie. Athletic from an early age he excelled in many school sports and was a fierce competitor. He graduated from Elkhorn High School in 1999 and after a quick stint at UW-Whitewater he joined the army (against his mother's wishes) and bravely served for 5 years. While stationed in Iraq and Afghanistan, he faced combat, learned linguistics and surveying skills, enjoyed the camaraderie of his fellow troops, graduated as a Jump Master, and was awarded the Bronze Star. Upon his return to the U.S., he enrolled in and graduated from UW-Milwaukee with a degree in history. After graduation in 2009, Chris worked as a coffee roaster and then as a surveyor for Kapur and Associates. No matter the job, he had an exemplary work ethic.

Chris enjoyed the challenges of long distance running, biking and hiking, as well as camping, and travelling. He loved listening to music, talking to Pat about the Chicago Bears, and spending time with friends and family, and pets. He was always willing to lend a helping hand, was fiercely loyal, and generous. He loved and supported his friends and family unconditionally, always seasoned with his dry sense of humor and natural ability to make you laugh. To those who knew and loved him, Chris was a hero whose loss is insurmountable. He will be sadly missed.

Chris was preceded in death by his grandparents and mother.

A Memorial Visitation will be held Saturday, June 17, 2023 from 1 PM to 4 PM, followed by a Memorial Service at 4:00 PM at the Prasser-Kleczka Funeral Home, Bayview Chapel, 3275 S. Howell Ave., Milwaukee, WI. Inurnment will follow on a later date.

Special thanks to the First Responders who tried to save Chris's life, and to the wonderful group of friends and neighbors who have surrounded Jenna with love and support.

Memorials can be made to the Homeless Veterans Initiative, the Humane Society, Planned Parenthood, the Wisconsin Bike Federation, any environmental agency or charity of choice.