Christopher Charles Ihrke

Obituary

Christopher Charles Ihrke, 63, passed away on Friday, June 26, 2026, at his home in Gibsonton, Florida, with his beloved wife Gina by his side as he departed this world for Heaven.

Born on May 18, 1963, in Pontiac, Michigan, he moved to Florida as a young boy, where he developed a lifelong love of the outdoors, especially fishing on Tampa Bay. He married his soulmate, Gina, and was a devoted father to his stepsons, Dewayne, Shelton, and Jerry. Over their 30 years together, he cherished life with Gina and found deep purpose and joy in his family.

A plumber by trade, he worked as a Project Manager with Southern Equipment Corporation for more than 12 years. He took great pride in his work, and he and his team were proud to have played a role in the completion of many great commercial buildings in the area.

Chris was a gifted plumber with a talent for solving any problem. At work, he was both a leader and a friend. To his family, he was their rock—always offering steady advice and support.

With a big heart and genuine kindness, he was always ready to lend a helping hand to family and friends. His great sense of humor was a defining part of his personality and contributed to his easy likability.

Chris was known as an outstanding fisherman and an excellent golfer, rarely easy to beat in either sport. He loved spending time fishing or golfing whenever he could, and his dream was to retire so he could fish or golf every day. Less well known was Chris’s love of music. He enjoyed good rock ’n’ roll, singing, playing guitar, and karaoke. A self-taught guitarist, he could hold his own while jamming with friends. Although he mostly played casually at home, he sometimes stepped up to perform with others and in front of an audience. At heart, he was always a rocker.

Chris is survived by his wife, Gina Ihrke; Step-sons, Dewayne McLandon, Jerry McCullen, and Shelton McCullen and his wife Nikki; Grandchildren, Aaliyah, Trey, Preston, Albriee , and Luke; Great-grandchild, Ke’jae; Step-Mother, Mary Ihrke; Sister, Kimbra Elser and her husband Garry; Brother, James Mudry; Step-brother, Ted Jackson and his wife Leeann; Step-sisters, Faye Smith and her husband Greg, and Tracey Kirk; and Aunts, Uncles, Nieces, and Nephews.

He is preceded in death by his Mother, Arlene Mahlke; Father, Richard Ihrke; Step-father, Harold Mudry;  and Step-brother, Darrell Jackson.

A Celebration of Life is scheduled on July 25, 2026 at Southern Equipment Corporation of Tampa, 1401 US-301 in Tampa, Florida 33619