Christopher Kenneth Kolk

It is with deep sadness that we announce the sudden and unthinkable passing of Christopher Kenneth Kolk, January 31, 2026. Christopher was a loving father, son, brother, nephew, uncle and friend to many.

Christopher “Chris” Kolk was born on April 16th, 1965 in Elgin Illinois. He graduated from Columbia College Chicago in 1987 and went on to have a prolific career as a fashion photographer, contributing to American Vogue, People Magazine, GQ, Esquire, ESPN The Magazine and Rolling Stone, among others.

Chris saw the world not just as it is, but as it could be. Artistic to his core, he noticed the way light hit a wall at sunset, the poetry in a stranger’s laugh, the drama in a storm rolling in. Beauty wasn’t just something he observed, it was something he curated. His home, his style, even his words were intentional, textured, and alive. His insatiable curiosity knew no bounds, keeping friends and family up into the wee hours talking about things like the concept of reality, the human experience, and the Mycelial Network, aka the “Wood Wide Web”.

A foodie, Chris loved to cook and passed his passion for making pizza to his son Orion. He was an incredible chef who “ruined food” for anyone who was fortunate to have Chris cook for them, because that dish would never taste better anywhere else.

A tried and true Bears fan, he counted the days until pre-season and felt so sure, every year, that this was going to be the year. Thank you to the 2025 Chicago Bears for giving him the season he’d been waiting for.

Chris flew by the seat of his pants and loved his toys… cars, motorcycles, snowmobiles, boats. Unconventional by nature, he had a devilish sparkle in his eye. Rather than following trends he followed his instinct. Needless to say, this beautiful human who left us too soon will be missed by everybody who was lucky enough to cross his path.

Christopher is survived by his son Orion Kolk; Orion’s mother Leslie Kolk, stepmother Judi Kolk; siblings Debra (Tim) Leahy, Kim Snider (Cliff Winchester), Linda Klama (Larry Lindsay), Raymond Kolk, Steven Scheuren, Robert Klama, Kenneth Kolk, Tiffany (Josh) Bachand, David (Bea) Kolk; many loving nieces and nephews; extended family, and numerous close friends and associates. He was preceded in death by his Mother Penelope “Penny” Klama, Father Raymond “Ray” Kolk and brother Anthony “Little Tony” Klama.

A Memorial Service will be held to celebrate Christopher on Friday February 27 from 4-8 PM at Countryside Funeral Home, 1640 S Green Meadows Blvd, Streamwood, IL 60107. Speakers will commence at 6 PM. A celebration befitting Christopher with beers, beefs and pizza will take place Saturday February 28 from 11-1 PM at Draft Bar, 8221 W Irving Park Rd, Chicago, IL.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the International Center of Photography and Adopt A Boxer Rescue.

Rest in peace, dear Christopher.