Christian "Chris" Max Stoltze was born February 5, 1956 in Wolfsburg, Germany to Hans Dietrich and Christa (Boehme) Lorenzen. Christian passed away December 9, 2022, in Heber, Arizona, with the love of his life, LaNora Pruett, at his side.

At a young age, Christian developed a love of the railway system, both real and model trains. As an adult, he worked for the German Railway System (Bundesbahn) and later promoted to National IT User Support Coordinator.  That sense of magic with the railway system continued throughout his life as he, LaNora, and her two daughters (Lisa and Laura Mangan) took a trip on the Grand Canyon Railway in September 2022. He rode the train with childlike enthusiasm that was absolutely endearing and infectious.

Both Christian and his sister, Ingrid Muffie, graduated high school just outside of Frankfurt, Germany. In 1980, Ingrid joined her mother and stepfather (Christa and Karl Stoltze) who moved to the U.S.; yet, Christian remained in his hometown in Germany. In 1999, Christian decided to move to Arizona to be with his family. In 2000, he joined them in Munds Park, Arizona (just south of Flagstaff).

In May 2005, Christian joined the Pinewood Fire District as a volunteer. His desire to aide his community led him to become a certified Emergency Medical Technician and Arizona State Firefighter. He also joined the Community Emergency Response Team for Coconino County and responded to emergency incidents and large events whenever his assistance was needed.

While living in Munds Park, Chris met his next-door neighbor, LaNora, and they became good friends who remained in contact throughout the years. In recent years, when each of their schedules slowed down, their friendship deepened, and they realized their feelings for one another. Their friendship blossomed into a romance that was easy to identify as the love of each other's lives. They cared for one another, watched out for each other, and the way they looked at one another gave everyone else an example of a relationship to hope for. Their banter was filled with both love and humor.

Chris was known to many for his kind heart, dedication to his community, and always lending a hand whenever the need arose. Those who had to pleasure to meet or know him could tell instantly that his heart was pure and his word was gold.

Christian Max Stoltze was predeceased by his mother, and nephew, Benjamin Muffie. He is survived by his father, Karl (Bobbi) Stoltze of Payson, Arizona, his sister Ingrid (Peter) Muffie of Fort Myers, Florida, nephew, Christopher (Lora) Muffie of Chicago, IL, and LaNora's daughters, Lisa M. Mangan and Laura Lynne Mangan of Gilbert, Arizona.

Funeral services were held Saturday, January 7, 2023 at Norvel Owens Mortuary at 914 E Route 66, Flagstaff, Arizona, 86001. Services began at 1:00 p.m. and continued with a graveside service at Citizen's Cemetery located at 1300 S. San Francisco St, Flagstaff, Arizona 86001 beginning at 2:00 p.m. He was laid to rest with LaNora Pruett.