Chris Uggen Obituary, Death – Dr. Christopher William Uggen, a loving and devoted husband and father, lost his battle with brain cancer on November 29, 2022. He had been battling the disease for a very long time. He was 46. Dr. William Uggen and RuthAnn Uggen welcomed their son Chris into the world on May 2, 1976 in Richland, Michigan. In Bay Harbor, Michigan, on August 27, 2011, he tied the knot with Maren Schierloh. Annelie (9), Catherine (5), and William are Chris and Maren’s three children. Annelie is the oldest (1).
Chris is survived by his parents, his wife, and their children. He is also survived by his brother and sister-in-law, Drs. Jon and Jennifer Uggen of Bennington, Nebraska, as well as two nieces. Chris was an avid outdoorsman. Stephen Uggen, the man he was closest to in life, passed away before him.
Chris was an orthopaedic surgeon with exceptional academic accomplishments and a kind and caring personality. He attended the University of Michigan for his undergraduate degree, and he received his medical degree from the UCLA School of Medicine. He received fellowship training in orthopaedic sports medicine, shoulder surgery, and orthopaedic trauma after completing his residency in orthopedic surgery at the LIJ/North Shore Medical Center in New Hyde Park, New York.
Chris was a practicing orthopedic surgeon for the past 13 years at the Ascension Borgess Hospital in Kalamazoo. In addition, he has been an educator at the Western Michigan Homer Stryker MD School of Medicine for orthopaedic surgery residents and medical students. Chris spent his childhood on Gull Lake and returned there with his wife, Maren, and their children many years later to make it their permanent home.
Chris found his happiest moments to be near the water. Kiteboarding, sailing, windsurfing, surfing, and fly fishing were among his favorite things to do in his spare time. He particularly enjoyed going to the beach and watching the sun go down over the water. Chris was also talented on the guitar and piano, and he and his family enjoyed taking trips together.
On Monday, December 5 at 4 p.m., you are cordially invited to join us in celebrating the life of Chris at Betzler Betzler Life Story Funeral Homes, where the celebration will be followed by fellowship.