Gerald E. ‘Sonny’ Christner
Gerald E. ‘Sonny’ Christner, age 91, passed away peacefully on July 1, 2025 at 9:45 PM at Bradford Villa in Quincy, IL. Sonny was born on November 7, 1933 in Timewell, Brown County, IL the first child of Gerald L. & Alta (Dobey) Christner. He married Rita Bradbury in Mt. Sterling, IL on August 5, 1956 after serving his country in the United States Navy for 4 years during the Korean War. She survives.
Sonny was employed for his entire working career as manager of the scrap yard for Chanen’s Scrap and Steel, Inc. He worked for over 33 years, retiring in July 1998.
Sonny had been a long time member and was active in the Quincy Masonic Lodge 296, Quincy Consistory. He was a member of the Ansar Temple Springfield, IL, Quincy Shriner Club, the former Quincy Exchange Club and present Quincy Service Club and also the Carthage VFW Post 5117. Sonny also served as director of the Flying Dutchmen Drum and Bugle Corps.
Family was always first for Sonny. He always loved having a houseful of his children’s friends. Sonny was a master at fixing and building anything. Woodworking was a hobby he especially enjoyed.
In addition to his wife, Rita, Sonny is also survived by:
3 CHILDREN: Lori Christner, Jeannie Christner Hattemar (Danny) and David Christner (Melanie).
Sonny is also survived by numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, a sister, nieces, nephews and other relatives also survive.
Sonny was preceded in death by his parents, a brother Raymond Christner and an infant daughter Rhonda Jane.
Per Sonny’s wishes, cremation rites will be accorded and no formal services are planned. Donations may be made to the Quincy Service Club. The Duker & Haugh Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
Rita and family, sorry for your loss, but he lived a long and prosperous live. I hope he recycled into a great after life! Prayers to you all.
Rita and famly, so sorry for your loss of Sonny. He lived a good and prosperous life. Still think of you guys every now and then. May he rest in Pease.
Dear Christner Family,
Words can’t express how much we will miss Sonny. He has been a friend and neighbor for many years. Please know we are thinking of you and remembering a great guy—–“Sonny”!
as ever,
Dick & Pat Wentura
Jennie Hattemar, so sorry for the loss of your dad. I remember you talking about what a great guy he was. My thoughts are with you with sincere condolences. May God bless you.
Rita and family, I am so sorry for your loss. My Aunt Lulu speaks so highly of you and Sonny. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.
Rip Sonny! Sorry for your loss Rita and Lori.
Jeff and I are both saddened by the news of Sonny’s passing. As you know we knew him in as a friend and then Jeff’s Boss!! We will never forget him and his kindness towards our family.
Please know our thoughts and prayers are with all of you, with hugs!
Rita, and family. I am heartbroken that he is gone. He was such a leader, and example of father and husband to you, Lori, Jeannie, and David. I’ve often felt like one of the kids, because you two were so nurturing when I was little and in later life. I will never forget his great hugs and and direction in my life. I know this is a great loss, but the kids will be there right beside you to bring you through this. Hugs and Love, Donna
I’m so sorry for your loss.
Your in my thoughts and prayers. Uncle Sonny always had a smile, hug, and a story to tell.
I am sorry for loss ur Sonny big hugs love u Lori !! Roger mcgartland
He had a great impact on a lot of lives, mine being one. He will be missed. Hugs to your family!