Christopher Sells

MEMORIAL SERVICES : 1:00 pm on Saturday, January 8, 2011 at the Jones-Pearson Funeral Home in Park Rapids, MN. INTERMENT : A private family inurnment will be held in the spring.SURVIVORS : His parents, Don and Gail Sells of Park Rapids, MN; wife, Tara of Minot, ND; sister, Melissa (Greg) Pierce of Bemidji, MN; son, Taylor of Bemidji, MN; special niece and nephew, MacKenzie and Samuel Pierce of Bemidji, MN and many aunts, uncles and cousins. Christopher William Sells, 43, passed away on December 25 at his home in Minot, ND. He had been diagnosed with cancer a year ago.Chris was born August 30, 1967 in Bemidji, Minnesota to Don and Gail Sells.Chris enrolled in the early enlistment program with the US Air Force during his senior year in high school and began active duty with the US Air Force in September, 1985. Chief Master Sgt. Sells served in the Air Force until 2009, at which time he retired. Throughout his career with the Air Force, Chris was stationed in Korea, Japan, Germany and Minot, ND as well as numerous short-term deployments which took him to Saudi Arabia and Iraq. Wherever he was stationed and whenever possible, he immersed himself in the country"s culture, particularly enjoying the cuisine and traveling as much as possible. Chris served in Operation Desert Storm, Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. He earned the Bronze Star while serving in Iraq. In 2009, Chris earned his Master"s Degree in Business Administration.Among many interests, Chris enjoyed NASCAR (having had the opportunity to attend several races), hunting, fishing, snowmobiling and spending time with family and friends.Surviving in Chris" immediate family are his parents, Don and Gail Sells of Park Rapids, MN; wife, Tara of Minot, ND; sister, Melissa (Greg) Pierce of Bemidji, MN; son, Taylor of Bemidji, MN; special niece and nephew, MacKenzie and Samuel Pierce of Bemidji, MN and many aunts, uncles and cousins. A service in celebration of Chris" life will be held on Saturday, January 8, 2011 at 1:00 pm at the Jones-Pearson Funeral Home in Park Rapids, MN. In lieu of flowers, the family prefers memorials to the Melanoma Research Foundation. A private family inurnment will be held in the spring.