Christopher L. Volkman, 46, of Algonquin, died peacefully on November 25, 2025, after a courageous battle with cancer.
He was born on July 25, 1979, in Wauseon, Ohio, the son of Randall and Cathy (Poorman) Volkman. Chris proudly served in the United States Air Force, retiring on July 10, 2022. He was a graduate of Concordia University, where he met the love of his life, Nicole.
On July 7, 2007, he married Nicole R. Christopoulos. Chris was strong, courageous, and never met a stranger. He possessed a rare ability to connect with people from all walks of life. He was a radio-controlled airplane enthusiast and had a love for LEGO creations, especially bonding over Legos with his daughter Leah as well as sharing their tradition of daddy/daughter breakfast dates before school. He, his father, and grandfather were all student pilots, sharing a deep passion for aviation. Chris especially loved football, playing in both high school and college. His love of the sport fostered a love of football with his son AJ, coaching his youth football team and attending any college/professional games whenever they had the chance.
His greatest joy in life was his wife and children. He will be remembered as a loving and devoted husband, son, father, and friend.
He is survived by his wife, Nicole; his children, Alexander “AJ” and Leah Volkman; his parents, Randall and Cathy Volkman; his sister, Heather Volkman; his father-in-law, Jerry (Debra) Christopoulos; his sister-in-law, Jamie (Mike); and their children, Seraphina and Jonathan.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Volkman family for an education fund to be established for his children.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, December 3, 2025, from 4:00–8:00 p.m. at DeFiore Funeral Home-10763 Dundee Road, Huntley. The funeral service will be held at the Shepherd of the Prairie Church, 10805 Main Street, Huntley on Thursday, December 4, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. Burial will follow at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery.
For further information, please contact the funeral home at 847-515-8772 or visit www.defiorefuneral.com to leave online condolences.
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I’m so sorry to hear about your loss! I fondly remember our days in college and watching Nicole and Chris fall in love. And watching that love grow through your children! Love you all!
Condolences to the Volkman family. I served with Christopher in the 27 APS and there was no of a better person I’ve ever served with. Till Valhalla brother.
Nicole and family! I am stunned by this news! Chris was an amazing husband and father! I really have no words except to say , I am so sorry for your loss! I will be out of town and cannot attend the service but my thoughts will definitely be with you and your family! All my possible love your way!
My condolences to you, AJ, Leigh, and the entire family for the loss of Chris. He truly was a special person to have met. The Smallwood family is here should you ever need anything.
Deepest sympathies and condolences to the family and to friends. Working with people like Chris made serving so enjoyable. The world was a better place with him in it. Now he gets to bless others in the next life.
So sorry for your loss. It was a pleasure serving with him! Your family will be in our prayers.
Nicole, my heart is breaking for you, AJ and Leah during this extremely difficult time!! You are all in my thoughts and prayers. There are no words to truly express my feelings. Please remember to breathe and take every day one at a time.
My sincere condolences to Chris's family and his 27th APS brothers & sisters. We all had the pleasure of knowing Chris and the honor of serving alongside him. His legacy will never be forgotten, and the person he was is something everyone should strive to be. May he now be at peace.
We are so sorry for your loss. We are thankful that he was part of our extended family and a hero in many ways. He has earned his special wings and will watch us all from the heavens. God bless him and prayers for the family. May his memory be eternal.
My deepest condolences to the family and friends. I've served with Christopher in the 27 Aerial Port unit. I was blessed to have worked him. Praying for peace and comfort for all.
I had the honor and the privilege to serve alongside of Chris. Many would do well to aspire to his level of excellence. Along with my brothers and sisters of the 27th Airport squadron, my sincere condolences to his friends and family. He shall be dearly missed!
My heart goes out to the family and their absolutely devastating loss. I served with Chris in 27 APS and I know he will be remembered and missed by us all.
My sincerest condolences and deepest sympathies, Nicole. My wife lost her best friend to cancer 10 years ago (her friend was 38), and I lost my mom to it in February of '24, so this definitely resonates with me. I'm so very sorry for you (and your children's) loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Nicole I never meat you but feel as though I know you through Chris. He spoke of you and the children often. We had so many conversations at work and quite often he would scare the crap out of me and I tried to do the same but failed. He was a wonderful person and I’m truly sorry for your loss. No words I could say could take away your pain.
I was so sorry to hear about Chris. Chris was a dear friend and classmate of mine. I had known him for many years growing up in Archbold, playing football and many other sports together and even taking a trip with his family to Florida. Chris was a great friend and while we lost touch over the years I’m sure was a great father and husband. Praying for the family and for comfort during this loss.