Christopher Rhein

Christopher James Rhein, aged 59, of Grand Rapids passed away on Wednesday February 26, 2025 in his home after a short, but valiant, battle with cancer.

Chris was born and raised in Grand Rapids on June 14, 1965.  He was a graduate of East Kentwood High School and earned his Bachelor degree in Aerospace Engineering from Western Michigan University.

He worked for Smiths Industries, now GE Aerospace for 30+ years.  His love of airplanes pushed him into the business and he avidly read airplane news, forums and strategy daily for personal enjoyment.  Most family travel events included air force bases, navy bases or airplane museums as part of the trip.

He was a student of civil and architectural engineering.  Often fascinated with how infrastructure is planned and built.  He followed forums on these projects around the Grand Rapids area and would often research distant places to learn about how their systems were planned and maintained.

He was an enormously proud father of his two children, Colleen and Eric.  He is also survived by his wife of 29 years, Gerri (Harpold) and his mother, Marian Rhein, his brothers David and Mark (Linda) Rhein and his sister Carrie Rhein.  Chris was preceded in death by his father, Peter Rhein.

The family will receive friends at the Metcalf and Jonkhoff Funeral chapel from 2:00-3:00 on Thursday, March 6.  A memorial service will be held immediately following.

In lieu of flowers, please make contributions to AYA Youth Collective.

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