Christopher Patrick Kaeberlein

Christopher Patrick Kaeberlein, “Chris”, 51, of Franklinton, North Carolina, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday afternoon, May 18, 2022, at his home.

Chris was born September 12, 1970, in Erie, Pennsylvania, the eldest son of Fred Patrick Kaeberlein and Patricia Anne Szklenski. He graduated from Strong Vincent High School as Class Valedictorian in 1988 and went on to receive his Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Engineering from Penn State University. Upon receiving his degree, Chris entered the Software Engineering and Information Technology (IT) industries, where he became well-respected in the field with former employers such as GlaxoSmithKline, PPD, and Fidelity Investments. Most recently, Chris worked as an Agile Development Director for EBSCO Information Services. He thrived in helping his teams and coworkers solve problems and develop software applications and products, to promote greater business success.

In 1998, Chris met Stephanie Lyn Bates at Peachtree Presbyterian Church in Atlanta, Georgia. They married at Haywood Hall in Raleigh, North Carolina on May 19, 2001, and went on to have two children, Jack and Madelyn. In 2003, Chris and Stephanie moved to Wake Forest, North Carolina, to raise their family.

Chris was a devoted and beloved husband, father, son, and brother and had many, many friends who cherished their time with Chris. He was a true gentleman, quiet in spirit but strong in his love for his family. A lifelong learner, Chris was always reading and curious to learn new things. He loved to cook, and he would often bake homemade desserts for his family and friends. Chris also loved to hunt on their small farm property, and he especially loved to travel and vacation at the beaches in North Carolina with his family. Chris leaves behind a trail of love and memories for them.

When Chris wasn’t focused on his family or career, he was dedicated to serving his community. Chris sat on the Town of Wake Forest’s Planning Board for several years and then was elected to the town’s Board of Commissioners from 2007 to 2011. He also served as Mayor Pro-Tem during that same period. Although this was a visibly public position, Chris touched many lives quietly and created many friendships that those people will cherish for years to come.

Chris’ Erie family and friends are invited to a Memorial Mass, to be held at Our Lady of Mercy Church, 837 Bartlett Road, Harborcreek, Pennsylvania, on Friday, June 3, 2022, at eleven o’clock in the morning. In addition, a Celebration of Life service will be held at one o’clock in the afternoon on Friday, June 17, 2022, at Wake Forest Baptist Church, 107 South Ave, Wake Forest, North Carolina, followed by a time to visit with the family at the church. For those who can't join in person, you can view the service at the following link. https://youtu.be/cVzx1KSe_xo

Mr. Kaeberlein is survived by his wife of 21 years, Stephanie Bates Kaeberlein; children, John Patrick “Jack” Kaeberlein and Madelyn Elise Kaeberlein; parents Patricia Szklenski Kaeberlein of Atlanta, GA and Fred & Kay Kaeberlein of Harborcreek, PA; sister, Victoria Kaeberlein Hemsworth & spouse Douglas of Atlanta, GA; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Lauren Bates Blue & spouse Robert Elliot Blue of Greensboro, NC and Eric John Bates & spouse Le Dao Bates of Atlanta, GA; step-brother, AJ Cimino of Erie, PA and step-sister, Kristen Cimino Buckley  & spouse Paul Buckley, of Columbus, OH; along with many nieces, nephews and extended family.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been set up for his two children, Jack and Madelyn. https://gogetfunding.com/lets-continue-their-dads-mission-lifting-others-to-become-their-best-selves/

A service of Clancy Strickland Wheeler Funeral Home, 1051 Durham Road, Wake Forest (919-556-7400)