Peter John Kristan

Peter John Kristan, a.k.a. Uncle Skippy, 66, of Granville, Ohio, formerly of Mundelein passed away unexpectedly Thursday December 14, 2023, in Columbus, Ohio due to complications from surgery.  He was born March 29, 1957, in Libertyville, IL to Albert “Pete” and Elizabeth “Bette” (nee Lawrence) Kristan.

Peter attended Santa Maria del Popolo Grade School in Mundelein and graduated from Carmel Catholic High School in 1975.  He earned his associate degree from the College of Lake County and a degree in Mortuary Science from The Worsham School of Mortuary Science in Chicago.  Peter served his apprenticeship at Piser Funeral Home in Chicago and continued his career with the family business, Kristan Funeral Home.  He served his community as a Funeral Director for more than 40 years. He was an expert restorative reconstructionist and gifted make-up artist for Kristan Funeral Home.

Peter’s artistic expertise manifested since youth. He enjoyed ceramics and pottery and used his own pottery wheel and kiln to make many gifts for his family and friends. Peter enjoyed antiquing, especially in Galena, IL, with his late partner Steve Kern. They traveled to Mexico every spring and would bring back Christmas ornaments for their nieces and nephews.

In addition to his artistic endeavors, Peter was an accomplished pianist and always the life of the party. At Christmas time, he would keep his family entertained for hours playing the piano, particularly “The Entertainer”, by Scott Joplin.  Peter loved to laugh and tell stories, whether it was being mistaken as Paul Stanley from Kiss during Halloween in Galena, riding the fastest roller coasters at Cedar Point, or the ridiculous antics of his canine companions Hobbs and Maggie. He is deeply missed by his family and friends.

After moving to Granville, Ohio he frequently volunteered at the Saint Vincent de Paul food pantry in Newark, Ohio. There he made many new friends and continued to make a positive impact in his community.

Peter is survived by his siblings Susie (Mike) McNeil, Brian (Katie) Kristan, Kevin (Bonnie) Kristan, Mary Kay (Doug) Merkau, Trish Kristan, nieces and nephews Christopher McNeil, Jenny (Tom) Callahan, Paul (Bernadette) McNeil, Amie (James) Queensland, Erin (Jim) Tamkin, Brad (Blanca) Kristan, Betsy (Jimmy) Williams, Ian (fiancé Jo O’Fallon) Kristan, Dan (Becca) Merkau, Lizzy (Sean) Heinz, great nieces and nephews Riley McNeil, Owen McNeil, Grady McNeil, Tyler Callahan, Caitlyn Callahan, Lucas McNeil, Landen McNeil, Abrielle McNeil, Evangeline McNeil, Evan Queensland, Reese Queensland, Grant “Chum” Queensland, Tre Tamkin, Jolie Tamkin, Raelynn Williams, Dawson Williams, Brooks Williams, Logan Merkau, Henry Merkau, Teddy Merkau, Juniper Merkau, Charlie Heinz, Colton Heinz, Nora Heinz  and his canine companions Maggie and Hobbs.

Peter was preceded in death by his parents Pete and Bette Kristan, his brother Paul Tony Kristan, and his partner Steve Kern.

Visitation is from 1-4 PM Saturday January 27, 2024, at the Kristan Funeral Home 219 West Maple Ave. (2 blocks west of Rt. 45 on Rt. 176) Mundelein. Funeral service will begin at 4 PM with his lifelong friend Deacon Tom Gaida officiating.

In lieu of flowers direct memorials to Reach Rescue, 372 Townline Rd. Mundelein, IL 60060 or visit www.reachrescue.org. For additional information visit www.kristanfuneralhome.com or call 847-566-8020.