Christopher J Storm
SEPTEMBER 4, 1959 – JULY 20, 2021
Christopher Storm was born on September 4, 1959 in Kansas City, MO, to Frank and Patricia Storm. He was the 9th of their 12 children, and the perfect addition to their lively household. He grew up in the Waldo neighborhood, attenting Hale Cook Elementary and Bingham Middle School. He enjoyed an idyllic Baby Boomer childhood runnimg the neighborhood with his 11 siblings and 18 first cousins. He attended and played football at Southwest and Grandview High Schools, graduating in 1977.
He began working as a dishwasher at Waldo Astoria when he was still in Junior High. It was impossible to have known at the time, but this small summer gig kickstarted his illustrious career as a professional chef. He got his brother Frank a job as well, and brothers Kevin and Mike followed in suit. Before long, it was a true family affair. While Chris loved to make comforting and delicious food for people, the true joy in his career is that he was able to share it with his best friends, his brothers.
Chris married the love of his life, Letty, in October 1981. They had 4 children in 7 years and Chris was thrilled that the house he created was just as high spirited as the one in which he was raised. Allison, Sara, Pat & Joe were his favorite adventure and he and Letty created a very happy home. He was a busy man, but was always available to be a good father to his children and always found a way to let them know that they were loved.
Chris was involved with the American Culinary Federation and Chefs’ Assosciation of Kansas City, St. Elizabth Catholic Church, The Knight of Columbus, Boy Scout Troop 150 and was an (easy way) Warrior, Tribe of Mic-O-Say. He was helpful when his brothers Frank and John founded Max’s Autodiner, and enjoyed many positions as an Executive Chef in every capacity from small fine dining restuarants to large scale banquets.He participated in culinary competion early in his career, and garnered many awards. He was especially proud to be Grand Champion of Smokin’ In Waldo BBQ competion in 2015. His truest talent, other than cooking was mentoring. He helped dozens of young people find their way in this world and we are all better because he lent himself to others so often.
Chris never met a stranger and considered everyone a friend. He is preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Patricia Storm, sister Mary Storm, brothers John Storm, Ed Storm and Frank Storm, and countless dogs that were, of course, family. He is survived by his wife, Letty, of the home. Daughter Allison, her husband John Keeling and their daughters Georgia and Tallulah. Daughter Sara, her partner Heather and their son Luca Storm, and sons Pat Storm and Joe Storm.
The family has planned a visitation for Friday, July 23 from 5-7 at St Elizabeths Catholic Church 2 East 75th st Kansas Foty, Mo 64114. The rosary will begin the visitation at 5:00. There will be a funeral mass on Saturday, July 24 at 11:00 am also at St Elizabeth’s The family will host a gathering following the service at the church
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Kansas City Hospice and Palliative Care, 12000 Wornall Rd, KCMO 64145. He was loved and he will be missed.
One of the kindest fun people I’ve known! Always warm, welcoming with a smile on his face.
So sorry for your loss Storm family, he was truly a friend to everyone and incredibly nice.
So very sorry to hear this my friend.
Mr. Storm was such a welcoming person and a fixture in my childhood growing up at St. E’s. A great family man and a tremendous sense of humor. All of my sympathies to the Storm family.
What a wonderful tribute to an amazing man. We are all better (and funnier) people bc he was in our lives. I will forever remember his influence on my life- “listen to all the music” and “just chill”. Love to the ENTIRE Storm family.
Terry and I were so sorry to hear of Chris’ passing. He was a very nice, funny, and interesting person, as well as a very talented chef. Thinking of all of you. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Chris was such a kind, loving, and giving man. He was so supportive of me when Frank passed, and I will always remember him for that along with the fun he brought to family gatherings. Rest in peace Chris. Your work here is complete?❤️
Such a sweetheart! His smile and mischievous eyes will be missed!
To Chris’s family: My sister Anne, who is a parishioner at St. Elizabeth’s called me today with the sorrowful news of Chris’s passing. I live in San Diego now, but am recalling fond memories of working for Chris when he was the Executive Chef at the Cafe Allegro. (I was his baker/pastry cook.) Chris was the consummate professional and a very good man to work with and for. At that time (1989), I believe he had 3 young children and it was obvious how much he cherished his wife and youngsters!
He always had a calm demeanor and I assumed that this came from growing up in a large family — he could handle anything that came his way!
Years later, while visiting my family in Kansas City, I saw Chris at Mass at St. Elizabeth’s at a Saturday afternoon Mass with his family. He had the same easy going smile and warm manner.
May his family find comfort around the table in so many good memories of the Chef, husband, dad, grandad, cousin and friend.
The nicest guy ever. Chris will be missed. All Storms are in our thoughts. We are sad.
Such a kind, generous and fun man – Mr. Storm will be missed by everyone lucky enough to have met him. All of you are in my thoughts.
Really just a great guy. Was happy to know Chris from The Knights of Columbus. One of a kind. He gave with his time and talents to our council. He will be missed.
I’ll never forget going to pick up Andy (my older brother) from your house in the morning. My parents sent me to the door to get Andy and your dad insisted I stay and have breakfast with you guys.
Chris was always your ‘go-to’ guy for whatever you needed. He had an outstanding and visible love for Letty and their four children. We have many fond memories of Chris, Letty, and their family. It was always great to walk Into Waldo Pizza and be greeted by Sara and Allison for many years. Pat and Joe were frequent visitors at our house, too. People like Chris don’t come along often and we are very happy to have known him,
Condolences to the Storm family. We grew up half a block from their house. My mom (Eloise Swalwell) was at the Forum in Overland Park after leaving her home in Waldo, and totally loved Chris’ cooking there. Thanks, Chris, for watching over Eloise at the Forum. Much appreciated.
I’m sure all he wanted at the end was his family and friends to continue the joy and love that he strived to give throughout his years! You can see through all the lives he touched that his dying wish will come true. My heart goes out to you all! ♥️
My condolences to the Storm family. May Chris’s soul Rest In Peace of Blessed memories!!
Grew up with Chris. Went to a different school but hung out with my friends at St. Elizabeth. Sorry for the families loss. Nice person..
Chris was a great guy to work with at the Waldo Astoria. Fun-loving guy with an incredible work ethic. Rest In Peace –
Our thoughts and prayers for the Storm Family.
Letty: So sorry for your loss. I remember Chris preparing the food for our St. Ann’s Class of 1974 20-year reunion. Peace, and Hugs to you and your family!
Thoughts and prayers for the Storm family. I have lots of fond memories of Chris and his family. He will be profoundly missed. Amazing dedication and passion to his family, God and career.
God bless
So sorry for your loss. I knew Chris through work. He was always a delight to talk to over the phone, super funny and witty. God always takes the good ones!!!
He will be missed!!
Uncle Chris, We all love you so much and we are so glad we got to see you and spend time with you. I remember when we went to the zoo and you gave me a piggy back ride. Grandma was there too, but now she needs you to cook for a party up there! We all love you so much and are happy you are not sick or in pain anymore. Hugs and kisses, Isabel and the Welch family.
Oh dearest Letty, I am so deeply sad to hear that your beloved Chris has passed. Everything in this beautifully written obituary evokes all the wonderful qualities I was honored to experience in my time in Kansas City when i knew Chris and when we were all friends, way before our children were born. He was the first chef at Jerry’s City Light Cafe and brought so much joy, passion and laughter to everyone there. I will always remember him smiling, laughing, and always bringing fun to any occasion. My sincere regrets to you, Letty, and all of your family. He will be missed by so many who had the honor of knowing him.
Chris was a lovely bear of a man, but a gentle and kind soul. We formed a formidable team at the City Light in Waldo where he was chef extraordinaire. He crafted a wonderful menu that was an exercise in the love he had for his profession and for his family. Letty, please accept my heartfelt condolences for the loss of your wonderful husband.