Chris Rochleau

Chris Eugene Rochleau, age 49, passed away peacefully at his home on January 26, 2024, after a long hard-fought battle with cancer. He was born on June 24, 1974, to Larry and Shirley (Becker) Rochleau in Humboldt, IA. Chris was the second of four children. He was raised in Algona, IA, and his family eventually moved out to the acreage that his parents currently reside in just north of town. Although he passed away too young, his adventurous, fun-loving spirit led to an abundant life.

Chris enjoyed school, especially activities and sports. He made friends easily and loved to joke around. He was a varsity letterwinner in football, wrestling, track, and band while in high school. As a senior, he was named an All-North Central Conference Offensive Lineman and was considered by many to be the best cymbal player in the band.

Chris graduated from Algona High School in 1992.  He then went on to play college football at Buena Vista University in Storm Lake, IA where he was an offensive lineman. He became a starter his freshman year and continued in that starting role for his tenure while at Buena Vista. As a senior, Chris was a captain and selected 2nd Team All-Iowa Conference and was named MVP by his Teammates and Coaches. In addition to being a student-athlete, he also was a Resident Advisor for two years. Chris graduated from Buena Vista University in 1996 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology with an emphasis in secondary education.

Throughout high school and college Chris had multiple jobs, however, he worked many of these years in construction with his grandfather and two uncles. During this time, he learned a great deal about construction which would eventually lead him to start a construction business of his own later in life.

Chris substitute taught science on the Rosebud Indian Reservation in Mission, SD post-graduation and returned to Iowa in 1997 to teach High School Biology in Sheldon, IA. While in Sheldon, he also coached football, wrestling and strength and conditioning. While he loved teaching Biology and coaching, Chris made the choice to go back into construction, which inclined him to move to Omaha in 1999. He worked for his uncle until he started his own business, Cherry Ridge Construction. He eventually moved the company to Council Bluffs, IA.

Chris had operated Cherry Ridge Construction for over 20 years. He built his business from the ground up and was a self-taught business entrepreneur. He worked incredibly hard to mold Cherry Ridge into a thriving construction company, becoming a Certified Graduate Builder. He took pride in building forever homes for many families, and he recently moved his family into a custom build of his own. Chris educated himself on how to be a successful businessman by reaching out to the best in the area. Chris was a member of Nebraska Entrepreneurs Organization, National Association of Home Builders, Council Bluffs Building and Trade Association, Council Bluffs Rotary Club, the YMCA Board of Directors, and many other organizations. He also made it a priority to donate to children, veterans, and local charities on a monthly basis. Although Cherry Ridge Construction was his, it was not his legacy. He always said that his kids will carry on his legacy. 

Chris enjoyed spending quality time at the lake with his family and friends. He loved boating, wake surfing, wake boarding, taking the kids tubing, fishing with his family, riding on jet skis and many other lake activities. He found a lot of peace and enjoyment being at the lake. Chris also loved traveling, cooking, snowboarding, coaching the kids in their sports, and the "Friday Night Lights" as a varsity football referee.

Chris's work ethic for his business, love for sports and other hobbies and interests was only surpassed by the love he had for his family and friends. Chris had a special connection with his siblings and their children. The bond he had with his wife and children strengthened over the years with continued nurturing. Family was important to him and was his priority. His goal was to always keep his family together and he succeeded.

Chris lived life to its fullest. He traveled, he laughed, he worked incredibly hard, and then he played incredibly hard. He was outgoing, strong, quick-witted, welcoming, and had a brilliant mind. He was a great storyteller, tender-hearted and strong. Chris was the true "life of the party" and loved by all who met him.

Chris was the epitome of strength and selflessness. Chris's spirit could be felt by all who knew him. He had a special gift for making everyone he met feel important, and his smile and demeanor lit up every room. He not only saw the best in people, he brought out the best in people. 

Chris was a member of Saint Paul Lutheran Church in Council Bluffs, IA. He was always striving to be an example of Christ and share His love with others. 

When you think of Chris, celebrate the memories you shared with him. Remember to embrace and treasure every moment, just as he did. Our incredible and beloved husband, father, son, brother, brother-in-law, uncle, nephew, cousin, and friend will be missed more than words can express, but he will be in all our hearts until we meet again.

Chris was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, C. Eugene and Gloria (Crawford) Rochleau; his maternal grandparents, Wilfred and Marjorie (Gouge) Becker, uncles Steve Rochleau and Jim Sires. 

Chris is survived by his wife, Adrienne Rochleau; parents, Larry and Shirley Rochleau; children, Hailey Rochleau, Reese Rochleau, Hunter Infanger, Gage Infanger, Beau Rochleau, and Luke Rochleau; siblings, Jamie (Kathi) Rochleau, Katie (Steve) Meints, and Jill (Jerome) Schiltz; mother-in-law, Nancy Bielenberg; brother-in-law, Zach (Tricia) Bielenberg; and his loving aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins and a host of other extended family and friends.

SERVICES IN COUNCIL BLUFFS, IOWA

Visitation will be held from 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM with a prayer service at 7:00 PM at the Hoy Kilnoski Funeral Home on Thursday, February 1, 2024.

 SERVICES IN ALGONA, IOWA

Visitation will be held from 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM with a prayer service at 7:00 PM at Oakcrest Funeral Services on Friday, February 2, 2024.  Funeral service will be held at 10:30 AM at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Algona on Saturday, February 3, 2024.  There will be an additional visitation at the church during the hour prior to the service.  Interment is in the Riverview Cemetery in Algona.  In lieu of flowers, the family will direct memorials in Chris's honor to the Appendix Cancer Pseudomyxoma Peritonei Research Foundation www.acpmp.org