Christopher R. Tappendorf, 44, of Rock Island, IL, passed away on February 21, 2026, at Unity Point in Rock Island. 

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

Chris was born on December 23rd, 1981, to Gary and Sue Tappendorf.

Chris loved his family and friends fiercely. He was an avid fisherman and enjoyed playing his bass guitar. He attended and graduated from Riverdale High School in Port Byron, Illinois. After graduation, he worked in the Chicagoland area and eventually returned home to work as a mechanic/wrencher at various Quad City locations. He married Kelle Bills in September 2005, and together they have a son, Jacob Tappendorf. Chris cherished the time he spent with Jacob, most notably their bonfires and fishing excursions.

In his youth, Chris was actively involved with the church (First Baptist of Moline) and Blackhawk Baptist Camp. Many of these friendships have lasted 30+ years. He picked up the bass guitar in high school and played for the pep band. As he got older, he played for modern church services. Chris was always the friend willing to help with whatever he could. He taught his sister, Sarah, how to update the lighting in her house without electrocuting herself. He taught his sister, Amy, how to drive a stick shift without dropping the clutch. He thoroughly enjoyed watching thunderstorms and bonfires that involved flammable combustibles, bottle rockets, and homemade alcoholic apple pie. He had an eternal love for food and was very fond of barbequing, trying new recipes with his mom, and finding new places to eat. He loved Metallica and went to as many concerts as he could. Chris treasured all the time he was out on the water, joyriding on the boat, and fishing with his dad. He always looked forward to getting together with family and friends and telling stories - especially from his teenage years that his parents/siblings had never heard before.

Chris was a giver his whole life and proudly made the decision a long time ago that he wanted to be an organ donor. Those wishes were honored, and his family hopes to meet the recipients of those gifts someday.

He is survived by his son Jacob Tappendorf (Andover, IL), parents Gary (Sharon Goldman) Tappendorf (Peosta, IA), Sue (Steve) Nuss (Mediapolis, IA), siblings Sarah Lue (Rock Island, IL), Amy Tappendorf (Des Moines, IA), Melissa (Josh) Edgington (Burlington, IA), Christy Capesius Janeliunas (Moline, IL), Dean (Bridget) Capesius (Dyersville, IA), and Cindy (Sam) Cerneka (Cary, NC). Chris has many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews who simply adore him and will miss his presence greatly.

Cremation will be directed by Mississippi Valley Cremation & Direct Burial, Moline, IL.

Family and friends are invited to share memories and express condolences on his memory page at www.mvcremation.com.