Christopher Matthew Liesmaki

Christopher M. Liesmaki, age 66, longtime resident of Hibbing, MN and Gold Canyon, AZ, died in his home while surrounded by family on August 5, 2024, following a courageous year-long battle with brain cancer.  

He was born November 29, 1957, in Hibbing, the son of Calvin and Sandy (Stanich) Liesmaki.  Chris was a graduate of Hibbing High School, class of 1976, and Hibbing Jr. College, and received his Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering from DeVry University in Phoenix, AZ.  Chris was united in marriage to Terry K. Glad on September 16, 1978 and they were blessed with 45 years together. Chris attended and raised his family at Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Hibbing, MN.

Chris held several positions at Iracore International, including Vice President of Sales, and retired in 2023 after 35 years with the company. He was passionate about his career, where he cherished building meaningful relationships.  Chris loved gathering around the table to share a good meal and engaging in intentional conversation. He enjoyed golfing at Mesaba Country Club in Hibbing, MN and Superstition Mountain Country Club in Gold Canyon, AZ, hunting at the Liesmaki Mosquito Ranch and in Montana, fishing in Canada, camping at McCarthy's Beach State Park, skiing in Colorado, and traveling around the globe with his wife, T.K.

His ultimate joy was his family and friends and he will be missed dearly by all.  He was most proud of his beautiful marriage to T.K. and the incredibly love filled life they built together. He was an amazing husband, dad, papa, and friend, whose warm presence, captivating smile, and infectious laugh drew people in, making everyone feel comfortable. His kindness was present until the very end. He generously chose to donate his body to student research at the Mayo Clinic, just as his parents did.

Chris is survived by his wife: Terry; children: Tammy (Jeff) Betters of Hibbing, MN, Christopher (Erica) Liesmaki of Denver, CO, and Megan (Freddie) Ray of Hibbing, MN; siblings: Dan (Kathy) Liesmaki of Maple Grove, MN, Jeanne Stimac of Forest Lake, MN, and Kelly (Sue) Liesmaki of Chaska, MN; grandchildren: Ruby Jo Betters, Leo Betters, Georgie Liesmaki, Miles Liesmaki, Charlie Liesmaki; and numerous extended family and friends. 

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. until the 12:00 Noon Memorial Service Monday, August 12, 2024, at Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Hibbing.  The Reverend Kevin Olson will officiate.

Family services are provided by Anderson-Daniels, a Bauman Family Funeral Home, in Hibbing.  To express condolences online please see: www.baumanfuneralhome.com. Memorials are the preferred way to honor Chris's memory and may be directed to Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Hibbing, Voyageurs Lutheran Ministry, and Fairview Range Hospice.