Christian J. Bargetzi
Christian J. "Chris" Bargetzi, Jr., age 75 of Highland, IL, died Friday, April 08, 2011, at Saint Joseph Hospital in Highland, IL.
He was born on Saturday, September 21, 1935, in Highland, IL, the son of Christian S. and Ella F. (nee Elkins) Bargetzi.
On Saturday, October 11, 1980, he married Dixie D. Bargetzi (nee Daum) who survives.
He was a member of Wednesday Night Bowling League-Grantfork, IL; IAM-Teamsters Local 187, St. Louis, MO; former member of the Southwestern Auto Racing Assoc.-Highland, IL and Allied Racing Assoc.-Missouri.
Born at Highland, IL, grew up on farm, attended Giger County School and graduated from Highland High School in 1953. In 1956 he started working for McDonnell-Douglas Aircraft, St. Louis, MO and retired in 1996 as a Machinist. He was always a shade tree mechanic; enjoyed fishing, hunting, mushroom hunting and being with his family.Since 1963 he raced (dirt track) at Lake Hill Speedway; then leading up to racing at Highland, Godfrey, Belleville, White City, Greenville, Brownstown, Farms City, all in Illinois; Pevely (I-55), St. Charles, Lebanon, Fulton and Montgomery City - all in Missouri. Usually he ran car 441; and car 11 in his early years. He was track champion in 1973, 76 and 77 at Highland. He retired from driving in 1992. He still owns and operates two cars #441 and his cars are always yellow.His children and a grandson have all driven stock cars.
Survivors include:
Wife - Dixie D. Bargetzi (nee Daum Handshy), Highland, IL
Son - Maurice C. "Maury" (Laura) Bargetzi, Fenton, MO
Daughter - Tammy N. Bargetzi - Harlan, Warrenton, MO
Daughter - Vicki D. Bargetzi, Troy, MO
Daughter - Christy M. (Jeremy) Mollet, Kannapolis, NC
Grandchild - Christian R. (Fiancee-Megan Stukenbroeker) Bargetzi, Fenton, MO
Grandchild - Deanna M. Bargetzi, Fenton, MO
Grandchild - Ryan J. Lyons, Warrenton, MO
Grandchild - Kayla R. Bargetzi, Warrenton, MO
Grandchild - Cody J. Ventimiglia, Troy, MO
Grandchild - Dylan L. Mollet, Kannapolis, NC
Great Grandchild - Tyler C. Bargetzi, Fenton, MO
Father In-law - Gene W. (Sandra) Daum, Greenville, IL
Mother In-law - Leona C. Daum, Highland, IL
Sister In-law - Penny M. (Richard) Jacob, Pocahontas, IL
Brother In-law - Danny J. (Cindy) Daum, Greenville, IL
Sister In-law - Judy G. (Dan) Neier, Highland, IL.
He was preceded in death by:
Father - Christian S. Bargetzi (died 12/23/1973)
Mother - Ella F. Bargetzi (died 05/06/1986)
Step Son - J.D. Handshy, Jr. (died 12/09/1992)
Half Sister - Irene Kuhn.
Service InformationArrangements are being handled by Spengel-Boulanger Funeral Home in Highland, IL.
Visitation will be held from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM Monday, April 11, 2011, at Spengel-Boulanger Funeral Home in Highland, IL, and from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM, at Tuesday, April 12, 2011, Evangelical United Church of Christ in Highland, IL.
Funeral service will be at 10:00 AM on Tuesday, April 12, 2011, at Evangelical United Church of Christ in Highland, IL, with Rev. Christopher W. Hill, Senior Pastor, Highland, IL officiating.
Interment will be at Highland City Cemetery in Highland, IL.
Memorial contributions may be made to National Multiple Sclerosis Soc. (NMSS).