Christopher Kadell
Jerseyville | Save
Christopher “RED” James Kadell, 55, died at 8:07 p.m., Monday, May 4, 2026 at his home, surrounded by the love of his family and friends, following a hard fought battle with esophageal cancer.
He was born on September 2, 1970 in Carrollton, Illinois and was the son of James Gregory Kadell and Janice Ann (Peuterbaugh) Kadell. Chris grew up in Jersey County and graduated with the Class of 1988 from Jersey Community High School.
He dedicated more than 20 years of employment to Olin Corporation and later worked as an Operator for TUMS/Haleon in Saint Louis, Missouri. Through the years, he built many lasting friendships with coworkers and took great pride in working hard to provide for those he loved most.
Chris married the former LeAnn Nichole Giberson on May 22, 2010 at St. John’s Catholic Church in Carrollton, and together they built a life centered around family, loyalty and making memories together. Their home was filled with laughter, busy schedules, garage projects, road trips and the constant presence of family and friends.
More than anything, Chris loved being a dad. He shared a unique and special bond with each of his children and was endlessly proud of the people they were becoming. Whether it was offering advice in the garage, showing them how to fix something with their hands, attending events, or simply spending time together, his family was always at the center of his world. Some of his favorite memories were made at the annual father/daughter dances with his baby girl, moments he cherished deeply year after year. Although a casual man, he very much enjoyed getting cleaned up and was always a good sport about doing anything that made his ‘ladies’ happy.
Chris had a passion for anything with wheels and a motor. He loved riding his Harley, traveling, attending car shows and spending countless hours building, fixing and driving cars. His pride and joy was his red Chevelle, a car that perfectly reflected his personality: classic, loud, admired and unforgettable. Chris was a founding father of Those Guys MC, Jerseyville, IL. Friends and family alike knew that if there was an engine involved, Chris was all in.
Chris had a true appreciation of music of all genres, but his favorite was always true old country. He spent hours listening to his playlists and enjoyed sharing his musical passion with his children. Chris was lucky enough to attend many concerts of his favorite artists over the years. He was especially fortunate to recently share the experience of Willie Nelson, one last time, with the ‘littles,’ as well as catching the ‘Red Clay Strays,’ live, which was a fulfilled dream.
He also treasured the company of his many loyal and lifelong friends. Chris was the kind of person people gravitated toward. He was genuine, dependable, quick witted and always willing to lend a hand or share a laugh. Even throughout his illness, he continued to show strength, determination and an appreciation for the people who stood beside him.
He is survived by his mother, Janice Kadell; his wife, LeAnn Kadell of Jerseyville; his five children, Colin James Kadell and his partner, Samantha Wittman, Ryan Michael Kadell, Damon Roy Kadell, Gus Gregory Kadell and Hattie Mae Kadell,and his most loyal tiny canine companion, Sophia ‘Sophie’ Kadell of Jerseyville; a brother, Jacob Kadell of Brighton; a sister and brother in law, Carrie and Hal Stewart of Grafton; his father in law and mother in law, Dennis and Jean Giberson; brothers in law and sisters in law, Chris and Michelle Scharfenberg, Brad and Jennifer Flowers and Andrew and Audrey Giberson, all of Carrollton; along with his beloved nieces and nephews, Ella, Ben and Sam Kadell; Trevor, Trenton and Tanner Cox; Colton, Danica, Gavin and Mason Scharfenberg; Hunter, Boden and Eli Flowers; and Willow Jordan-Giberson and was excited for the arrival of Baby Giberson this fall
He was also a proud godfather to Justin Strebel and Willow Jordan-Giberson and leaves behind many extended family members, dear friends and all those fortunate enough to have shared in his life.
He was preceded in death by his father, James Gregory Kadell on May 28, 2013; a son in infancy, Adam Christopher Kadell on July 19, 1994; his paternal grandparents, Stuart and Rosemary Kadell; his maternal grandparents, Charles and Deloris Peuterbaugh; and a cousin, Jason Strebel and his godfather, Terry Walsh.
Visitation will be held from 4 to 8 p.m., Tuesday, May 12, 2026 at Crawford Funeral Home.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m., Wednesday, May 13, 2026 at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church with Father Martin Smith officiating.
Burial will follow at St. Francis Cemetery.
Memorials may be given to the Jersey Community High School Automotive Department or to St. Francis/Holy Ghost Catholic School.
Memories may be shared with the family by visiting www.crawfordfunerals.com.
Crawford Funeral Home
