Christopher Robert Gradoville
July 10, 1984 – September 30, 2021
Christopher Robert Gradoville of Omaha passed away on September 30, 2021 at the age of 37. He was born in Omaha on July 10, 1984 to Ron and Joyce Gradoville. After graduating from Omaha Bryan High School in 2002, he attended Creighton University where he was a business marketing major, graduating in 2007. While at Creighton, he was a standout baseball player and later was drafted by the Texas Rangers.
He is survived by his wife, Nikki, of Omaha; father, Ron Gradoville of Omaha; mother, Joyce Gradoville of Harlan, Iowa; sister, Stephanie Gradoville of Omaha; parents-in-law, Ken and Gail Stokes of Spokane, Washington; brother and sister-in-law, Luc and Holly Stokes and three children of Leavenworth, Washington; sister and brother-in-law, Anna and Blaine Grace and son of Fort Worth, Texas; Nikki’s grandmother, Mary Schlee of Clarkston, Washington; numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, other relatives, and friends. He was preceded in death by grandparents, Bob and Rita Gradoville of Omaha and LeRoy and Myrtle Nelson of Forest City, Iowa, and Nikki’s grandfather, Jake Schlee of Clarkson, Washington; grandparents, Shirl Jay and Thelma Hazel Stokes of Wilberton, Oklahoma.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Thursday, October 7, 2021 at 2:00 p.m. at Sokol Arena on the Creighton University campus with visitation from 12 noon to 2:00 p.m.
To view a live broadcast of the Celebration of Life Service, please visit www.GoCreighton.com/GradovilleCelebrationofLife.
21 Comments
Never played with a better guy in my 20 plus years in the sport of baseball. He would do anything for anyone who needed help at anytime. Never met another guy like him and probably never will. The intensity and passion he had on and off the field left such an impression on everyone around him along with his loud laugh and jokes which I remember most about him. Many of us know Chris from different parts of our lives but I’ll remember him as the life of the locker room in Bakersfield CA with his mullet and smile. Rest easy Grady
So sorry for your loss. Our hearts are broken. Mechele are thankful that we were able to have Chris stay with us when he played in Bakersfield. We Will always cherish the time we had with him. Our prayers will be with all of you. God bless.
We send our prayers to Nikki and the entire Gradoville family. He touched so many people in his short life. May your wonderful memories help during this sad time and the days to follow.
Chris,
I wish I could be there in person to say goodbye and pay my respects. God has a plan, but you certainly didn’t deserve this; Nikki certainly didn’t. I am so glad I got to know you through dating and eventually marrying Heidi. It was always such a humble brag to tell people I have a family member playing college baseball, playing pro ball, and eventually Director of Operations at Creighton. More than that though, you were an all around terrific guy. It’s going take a very long time to get used to talking about you in the past tense.
Your legacy will never be forgotten and will serve as an example for others to strive for. I’ll see you around buddy, save me a seat upstairs. SKOL, GBR, and Roll Jays!
I did not know Chris. I used to here about him from his father, Ron. I worked with Ron at MUD. My condolences to the Gradoville family.
My wife and I are heartbroken for your loss, We over our deepest condolences and pray for the Gradoville family.
I knew several members of his family, thru them i am sending my condolences.
Ron I am so sorry about your son . Our prayers are with you
Ron, Joyce and Steph,
There are no words. Our hearts break for yours. Watching Chris growing up next door for the first 10 years and hearing how much he has accomplished in his short time here is his legacy. We will treasure all those great times on 32nd St with all the kids on the block and monitors on the deck! Thoughts, prayers and hugs to you all.
Lori and Jerry Brennan
My heart goes out to Ron, Joyce, Steph, Nikki & the entire Gradoville family. What a tragic loss. Chris was my cousin & an all around great guy. I remember him when he was 3 yrs old & Ron used to pitch a tennis ball to him, always carried a bat, ball & glove. I told myself then he would either grow up hating or loving the game. I am so glad it was the latter. I can’t get over the shock of this terrible event. Christopher’s legacy will live on for a long time. RIP Keest! Love & prayers to all.
To say Chris Gradoville was a “great guy” does not do him justice.
He had one of the most infectious smiles, could bring the entire room to laughter, and had a tremendous, positive influence on anyone he met. Chris would do anything he could to help a friend, neighbor, or stranger in their time of need. He was a top-notch leader on and off the field.
There are few people who will leave such a meaningful and impactful legacy as Chris has, even in his short time with us on Earth.
May all of the stories, pictures, and memories bring peace to the Gradoville family and friends.
Ron, Joyce & Steph
Our hearts break for yours. Living next door for Christopher’s first 10 years brings up so many great memories on 32nd St.. Christopher tearing up the sidewalk on his big wheel, standing by the fence talking to the girls, all the kids out front eating ice cream from the “ding ding man”. & all of us on deck with our baby monitors after the kids went to bed. We will always remember & treasure those memories. Thoughts, prayers & hugs to you all.
I am shocked to learn totally unexpected passing of the beloved son of Joyce Gradoville ,with whom I worked at VA so many years. It is hard to express my condolence without tears in my eyes.
Please accept my deepest condolence again. Please let me know how I can help.
I am shocked to learn totally unexpected passing of the beloved son of Joyce Gradoville ,with whom I worked at VA so many years. It is hard to express my condolence without tears in my eyes.
GRIEF is pure LOVE …all the love you want to give but cannot….grief is LOVE with no where to go…. we hope you can take comfort knowing how much Chris is loved and what a tremendous blessing his love for Christ and others will continue to live on in the hearts of so many……with heartfelt prayers and thoughts…Bob Cathy Chaeli Chelsea Joey Kaitlyn Greco
We mourn the loss of our dear cousin and admired friend Chris. He endeared himself to all of us during his time playing ball in California. Afternoons at the ballpark followed by dinners together at our house or at a San Jose area restaurant were always a big treat. Chris always brought a big smile and a story or two about family and friends and baseball. We still have the souvenir bat he gave Ben and Jake after a game. Chris will be deeply missed. The world is a better place because of him. Our sincere condolences to Nikki, Ron, Joyce, Steph and all who were touched by Chris.
My thoughts and prayers go out to Nikki and the entire Gradoville Family with the passing of Chris. What an amazing young man, always stepping up to help others and always had a smile on his face. This world was a better place with him in it. He will truly be missed by all. R.I.P. Chris
My thoughts and prayers go out to Nikki and the entire Gradoville Family on the passing of Chris. What an amazing young man, always stepping up to help others and always having a smile on his face. This world was a better place with him in it. He will truly be missed by all. R.I.P. Chris
I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers to the entire Grandville family especially to Ron and Joyce. I remember back in the day when Chris was very young and we’d be sitting in their backyard watching Chris have fun with us. Always will cherish those memories. May he R.I.P.
I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers to the entire Grandoville family especially to Ron and Joyce. I remember back in the day when Chris was very young and we’d be sitting in their backyard watching Chris have fun with us. Always will cherish those memories. May he R.I.P.
Thinking of you and keeping you in my prayers.
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