Chase Nicholas Hunter

CHASE HUNTER

JERSEYVILLE - Chase Nicholas Hunter, 13, left this world far too soon at 12:34 a.m. on Thursday, April 25, 2024 at St. Louis Children’s Hospital in Saint Louis, Missouri. 

A smiling and vibrant baby boy, he was born on November 22, 2010, in Sellersville, Pennsylvania to Robert Hunter and Cristina Breitinger. 

He was a beloved son, brother, grandson, nephew and cousin who brought immeasurable joy to all those around him.

Chase grew up between Saint Peters, Missouri and Jerseyville, Illinois. Baptized in the Catholic faith, he attended Pre-K and kindergarten at Holy Ghost Catholic School in Jerseyville and First Grade at Grafton Elementary. Following their move to Missouri, He attended Second thru Sixth Grade in the Fort Zumwalt School District, until settling back in Jerseyville where he was currently a Seventh Grade student at Jerseyville Middle School. 

From a young age, Chase embraced the great outdoors with an infectious enthusiasm.  He enjoyed family time spent fishing on the boat, camping alongside the river and playing in the woods. He also enjoyed spending all summer long swimming and visiting the ocean - an annual trip he took with his grandparents, cousins, Aunt Jenna and Uncle Tim, which he looked forward to each and every year. 

His adventures with his little brother, Billy, to the City Museum and area parks were filled with laughter and endless curiosity as they explored the world together.

His love for animals knew no bounds; whether it was spending time at his aunt and uncles farm, taking care of chickens and cows or simply spending time with furry friends, Chase had a special connection with every creature he encountered. 

His compassionate nature extended beyond animals to people as well - always willing to extend a smile, a helping hand or offer a kind word to all of those he met. 

In addition to his outdoor pursuits, Chase found joy in playing video games online with his friends from school and engaging in sports like basketball, football, and wrestling. 

He had also recently discovered a love for music, and enjoyed playing the guitar and just this past year, became a member of the school orchestra. 

These experiences enriched his life while creating cherished memories that will live on forever.

Chase leaves behind a family who adored him deeply: His dad, Robert Hunter of Jerseyville; a half-brother, Tyler Lenza of Hawaii; his little brother, Billy Hunter of St. Paul, Missouri; grandparents, Steve and Denise Hunter of Jerseyville, Patricia Vanbaketes of Godfrey and Bruce and Jeannie Breitinger of Sellersville, Pennsylvania; as well as many aunts, uncles and cousins, including Sarah and David Zimmerman and their daughter, Catherine, of Grafton, who Chase held a very special bond with. 

He was welcomed into Heaven’s gate with open arms by his mother, Cristina. 

While his family’s hearts are heavy with grief at this sudden loss, no amount of heartache can overshadow the love for Chase that they have been blessed by during his short time here on earth. 

The impact that Chase made during his brief journey is immeasurable; he has left an incredible mark on all those fortunate enough to have known him. 

The memory of his bright smile, warm heart, and adventurous spirit will continue to inspire them all as they carry him forward within their hearts. 

All those who loved Chase are invited to join in a Memorial Mass at 1:30 p.m., Saturday, May 4, 2024 at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Jerseyville. Father Martin Smith will officiate. 

For those desiring, memorials may be given to the family for a memorial designation to be determined at a later date, in care of Crawford Funeral Home, 1308 State Highway 109, Jerseyville, IL 62052, who has been entrusted with arrangements.  

While we will forever mourn the loss of Chase, the greatest way we can honor him and his memory is simple: love deeply, be generous and above all else, be kind to one another. 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Chase Nicholas Hunter, please visit our floral store.