Christopher “Chris” Michael McCracken, 34, of Waterloo, died Sunday, August 17, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on April 8, 1991, in Waterloo, the son of Shane McCracken and Nikki Sulentic McCracken. Chris attended school at Waterloo West High School and was a cook at Steamboat Gardens, where he worked since he was 16 years old. He was a musician, having played in Silent Depression in middle school, and most recently, in 98 Greenwood.

Chris lived to entertain, and he began at a very early age. He played guitar, drums and sang, many times, songs that he wrote himself. Chris was a funny man who was very intuitive and often gave great advice. He enjoyed watching movies and enjoyed being around people. But mostly, Chris wanted the simple life-a tent and his dog, down by the river-where he could live off the land and enjoy nature. To know Chris was to love him and he loved his family and friends.

Chris is survived by his parents Shane (Micki) McCracken of Waterloo and Nikki (Dustin) Scroggins of Dunkerton; siblings Andrew McCracken, Danica Scroggins, Angela McCracken, Brianna and Jayden Scroggins, Carter Wolff and Zoe Anderson; grandparents Sue (Dave) McCracken, Della (Art) Webbeking and Michael Sulentic; many other family members and friends; and last, but not least, his faithful dog, Chief. He was preceded in death by his stepbrother Drew Scroggins and uncles Tony Sulentic and Brenten Webbeking.

Visitation for Chris will be Friday, August 22, 2025, from 4:00 to 6:00 PM, at Locke on 4th St., 1519 W 4th Street, Waterloo. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions should be directed to the family. Online condolences may be expressed at www.lockefuneralservices.com.