Christopher Daniel Hoyum, age 31, of Marquette, Mich., formerly of Escanaba, died unexpectedly, Sunday, Jan. 6, 2008 at home.

Christopher was born Feb. 18, 1976 in Sault Ste. Marie, Mich., the son of Harvey and Diane (Koceja) Hoyum. Chris was raised in Escanaba and was a 1994 graduate of Escanaba High School. While at E.H.S. he participated in football and baseball. Chris continued his education at Northern Michigan University and received his B.S. degree in illustration. Chris served his country with the U.S. Army National Guard 107 th Engineer Battalion in Gladstone and he served on active duty in Iraq in 2005.

Christopher was united in marriage to the former Kimberly Slotterback on July 3, 2004 at St. Peter Cathedral in Marquette. 

Chris was a very talented artist. His hobbies included hunting, fishing and downhill skiing. He enjoyed walking his two dogs, Clyde and Rudy, which provided him with much comfort.

In addition to his wife Kimberly, survivors include his parents, Harvey and Diane Hoyum of Escanaba; grandmother, Elizabeth Hoyum of Green Bay, Wisc.; two sisters, Teresa (Scott) Splan of Onaway, Mich. and Nancy Goodman of Louisville, Ky; a n ephew, Charles Goodman of Louisville, Ky.; father-in-law, Floyd (Patricia) Slotterback of Marquette; m other-in-law, Carla Schoenbaum of Lincoln, Neb.; a sister-in-law, Jen Slotterback of Chicago, Ill.; and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins. He also is survived by his b irth mother, Deborah Lundelius, and two half brothers, Dusty and Carl, all of Florida.
Chris was preceded in death by his grandparents, Harvey Hoyum Sr., and Ralph and Florence Koceja; and an uncle, Richard Koceja. 

Christopher's family will receive friends Saturday from 10:15 to 11:15 a.m. at the Skradski-Boyce Funeral Home in Escanaba. Military rites conducted by the Delta County Veterans Council will follow at 11:15 a.m. A Mass of Christian Burial celebrating the life of Christopher Daniel Hoyum will follow at noon at St. Anne Catholic Church in Escanaba with Rev. Fr. Michael Steber officiating. Luncheon will follow in the church parish hall. Burial will be at the Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery in Escanaba.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in memory of Chris may be directed to the Delta or Marquette County Humane Societies, envelopes will be available at the Skradski-Boyce Family Funeral Homes.