Christopher "Chris" Vanderpool

Christopher “Chris” Vanderpool was called home Saturday, June 3, 2023 while surrounded by an immeasurable amount of family and friends in the comfort of his home in Portage, IN. For the last year and a half Chris never stopped fighting in his back and forth battle with an aggressive form of Acute Myeloid Leukemia with this wife constantly by his side. Chris was born on May 30th, 1979 in Adrian, MI to his parents Mark & Susan (Schuch) Vanderpool. Chris completed his Bachelor Degree in Manufacturing/CAD & design Engineering at Tri-State University (Trine University) where he became a brother of Delta Chi. Chris started his journey towards his law enforcement career in 2010 by volunteering as an Adrian Police Dept Officer, where his colleagues and friends shined a light on his true calling. On January 8th 2018, Chris started living his dream and his passion while becoming a full-time police officer with the Porter County Sheriff’s Office where he found his second family and fulfilled that calling. During which time he also served on multiple specialties and even became part of the US Marshals Great Lakes Task Force as a Task Force Officer. This combined service along with the encouragement of his loved ones allowed for the happiest years of his life. After 6 unforgettable years Chris finally married the love of his life Michelle (Gass) Vanderpool on May 7th 2022. This unity combined 2 devoted families into one who he is survived by; Grandmother, Alice Vanderpool from Jasper, MI; Mother-in-Law, Paticia (Svitko) Gass from Portage, IN; Sister, Lisa (Kevin) Frey of Potterville, MI; Sister-in-Law, Nicole (Gass) Stanko from Portage, IN; Brother-in-Law, Michael Gass of Hobart, IN; his chosen brothers, Lou Stanko of Portage, IN and Jake Woodring of Longmont CO. His children, Austin and Taylor; Michelle’s Children, Noah and Jocelynn; and his 4-legged sidekick, Diesel; several nieces and a nephew; and his grandson, Carmi Robertson. Preceded in death by his Grandparents, William & Gertrude Schuch, Norman Vanderpool; Father-in-Law, Paul Gass & his faithful canine companions, Brutus, Harley and Buck. Chris would’ve also loved to be known as a Detroit Tigers, Notre Dame Fighting Irish, and Detroit Lions fan, along with being an avid hunter and conservationist. One of Chris greatest joys was riding nothing other than his pride and joy, his Harley Davidson Electra Glide Ultra Limited Motorcycle. Ultimately, Chris’s #1 love was spending time and making memories with the ones he loved so very much. Chris will forever be remembered as a good and faithful servant. May he now rest in heaven. A gathering of family and friends will be held on Wednesday, November 15, 2023 from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. at Wagley Funeral Home, Adrian in the Heritage Room. Please bring your best Chris stories and memories to share. Memorial contributions in honor of Chris may be made to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.WagleyFuneralHomes.com

Christopher "Chris" Vanderpool

May 30, 1979 - June 3, 2023