Chris Friedbacher passed away peacefully while holding his daughter's hand on Sunday January 16th at the age of 73.

Chris was born to Gerald and Carol Friedbacher (née Mitchell) on September 15, 1948, the oldest of four children. He grew up in West Allis, WI where at the age of 14 he met Sally Ptak whom he would marry in 1968. She was the center of his world and theirs was a true love story.

Chris graduated from West Allis Central High School and then served in the United States Army from 1967 to 1973 as a tank mechanic. He returned to Milwaukee and would go on to work as an HVAC Tech for Kohl's Food Stores, retiring after 30 years of hard work and dedication. He was a proud Teamster from Local 200. In recent years he was an advocate for protecting pension funds by volunteering with Wisconsin Committee to Protect Pensions. He fought along side other dedicated "Pension Warriors" from making phone calls and attending meetings to going to Washington, D.C.

He and Sally built a life together, having two children, Shawn and Shannon, and eventually making home in New Berlin, WI. His family was most important to him and his pride in his children was evident to everyone who crossed his path. From Shawn's successes in law enforcement to Shannon getting her medical degree, Chris was there every step of the way to cheer them on and celebrate their accomplishments.
Chris had a love of music, food, festivals, the Wisconsin State Fair, taking long drives with Sally, and travel especially to Door County which was a home away from home for many years. From camping at Jellystone with Shawn and Shannon to trips with Sally to tend to the lot to stays at The Landmark with Shannon and his dear granddaughter, Greta, Door County brought Chris immense joy.

To Greta, his only grandchild, he was "Bumpa" and they shared a unique bond. She made his face light up and they enjoyed a lot of laughs together.

He touched the lives of many including a close knit group of friends that have shared many fun times through the decades from MQH church festival volunteering to cruises, parties, marriages and other life events.

Chris is preceded in death by his parents, Jerry and Carol Friedbacher, in-laws Erwin and Dorothy Ptak, and brother in laws John Gust and Dennis Miller. He is survived by his wife of 53 years and best friend for nearly 60, Sally (née Ptak), son Shawn (Christine), daughter Dr. Shannon Friedbacher (Matt Bates), granddaughter Greta, sister Suzanne Friedbacher, brother Jeff (Susan), sister Jacki House (John), sister-in-laws Ruth Gust and Judy Miller, grand dogs Cheyenne, Hunter, Iris and Bruce as well several nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.

To those he has loved and who have loved him we say thank you, Chris/Dad/Bumpa. We will miss you dearly. Until we meet again…

Public Celebration of Life will be at Chris's favorite place for great food and gorgeous sunsets, Bass Bay Brewhouse. Thursday June 23rd, 2022 3-6pm in the Parlor Room at S79W15851 Aud Mar Drive, Muskego, WI. 53150. There is a private entrance in the back of the building off the parking lot.

www.bassbatbrewhouse.com