On Saturday, September 20, 2025, Christopher turned his favorite hat backwards and sped off on what became his final ride.

Christopher Bryan Grotegut was born November 4, 1981. The fifth son of Bryan Grotegut and Rosalind Wheeler. It was growing up on Payson’s West Mountain with four older brothers, he perfected the art of mischief, honed his talent for pushing people’s buttons, and learned to live fully, boldly, and unapologetically.

After graduating from Payson High School, Chris began his lifelong career in the world of tires. First ‘busting’ tires at Big O, then moving to service truck and sales rep for GCR and TDS. Finally, he landed at Purcell Tire as service manager. It was in this role as service manager he became a true mentor.

When he wasn’t thinking or doing all things tires, Chris loved hanging out with friends. Together they built many great memories around a bonfire. Chris loved to ride his 4-wheeler. He found great delight when his nieces became skilled enough to ride and keep up with him – despite always telling them “You don’t have to keep up, you just have to have fun.”

Chris’s grizzly and intimidating stature did little to mask the true teddy bear inside; kind, gentle and caring – but don’t tell anybody and ruin his image.

A tragic accident took you away from us way too soon. We find comfort knowing you were doing what you loved, with people you loved, in a place you loved. It can’t get any better than that. Chris is survived by his father, William Bryan Grotegut, his brothers: William Brent (Erin), Chad (Amanda), Jason Lee (Jennifer), and Jared K (Jill), and his nieces Megan and Jaylee. He was preceded in death by his mother Rosalind, niece Kiera, and grandparents William (Bill) and Carol Grotegut and Lavon and Lynette Wheeler.

An open house style celebration of life will be held Friday, September 26, 2025, from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at the LDS Church at 80 South 200 East in Orem, UT. A graveside service will follow Saturday September 27, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. in the Spanish Fork Cemetery.

Chris’s family wishes to express our sincere thanks to all the good people, law enforcement officers, and EMS who helped in his final moments. Your service, kindness, and compassion mean the world to us. Thank you.

Til we meet again Chris, “keep it shiny side up.”