Chris Dzuris Obituary

Christopher Douglas Dzuris was born on October 13, 1976 in Jefferson, Iowa. Chris passed away peacefully after a very long health battle on October 6, 2025, just one week shy of his 49th birthday. Chris was the first of three children to the parents of Melvin Douglas Dzuris & Katherine Eileen (Joe) Pittman. Kathy provided Chris with a lot of support and encouragement throughout his life as she stood by his side until the very end. She is the bond that keeps our family fed and together; without her we would all be lost.
Chris has one younger brother, Kelly (Liesl) Dzuris of Coralville, IA and the youngest sibling is Karla (Dennis) Dzuris of Jefferson, IA. Chris was the best uncle to Madeline (19), Mason (16), Makenna (16), Aurora (14) and Mila (12). Chris lived in Jefferson, IA most of his life, other than a short time frame in Somers Point, NJ where he attended Mainland Regional High School.
Chris graduated from Jefferson-Scranton High School in Jefferson, IA in 1995, where he met many of his closest friends. After high school, Chris dove right into the workforce, where he was drawn to 18 wheels and the open road, following in his father's and grandfather's footsteps. Although his father tried to steer him away from life on the road, Chris loved it. He drove several different kinds of semis for a few local operators around Greene County.
Chris shared sixteen plus years with his wife Mindy Durlam and two step-children, Mariah and Gavin Durlam, and mother-in-law, Arlis Bartley. It was during that time Chris and Mindy welcomed the newest addition to their family, their daughter Kinley Nicole Dzuris (15). Chris and Kinley shared a special bond that only a father-daughter duo knew how. He loved cheering Kinley on in all of her activities, with softball being one of their favorites. They also shared some special times just riding around in the truck with their boxer, Piper, and getting into some late-night shenanigans.
Chris was everyone's biggest fan, always cheering on his siblings in different sports and activities. That passion and love for all sports grew as he had numerous nieces, one nephew and cousins to cheer for as well. Chris was the biggest fan of the Green Bay Packers, Iowa Hawkeyes and Tennessee Volunteers. Chris also loved dirt track racing, a passion not many understand, but those who joined him loved the fast cars and great company he provided.
Loving, kind and funny are the words to best describe Chris. He had the kind of heart that made every friend feel like family. Chris is a reminder that life, no matter its length, is best measured in the joy we give and the laughter we share. When you think of him at times, crank up the police scanner, cheer for a touchdown, or tell a story about him that speaks to your heart.
In lieu of flowers there is a memorial set up at Peoples Bank in Jefferson, IA for Kinley Dzuris.
To say he will be missed is an understatement. We all love and miss you so much, Chris!
A memorial service will be at 10:30 am Friday, October 10, 2025 at Gospel Open Bible Church in Jefferson, Iowa. Family will greet friends from 5:00pm to 7:00 pm on Thursday October 9, 2025 at Slininger- Schroeder Funeral Home in Jefferson, Iowa. A private family burial will take place at Greenbrier Cemetery, Greene County, Iowa.
Slininger- Schroeder Funeral Home, 515-386-2171
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