Christopher Johnsen passed away unexpectedly at the age of 48 on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, while vacationing in Idaho. Born in Joliet, raised in Lockport, and most recently a resident of Chicago, Christopher's life was marked by achievement, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to justice.

A proud 1991 graduate of St. Dennis Catholic Grade School and a 1995 graduate of Providence Catholic High School, Christopher continued his academic journey at DePaul University, earning a B.A. in English and American Studies in 1999. He went on to obtain both an LLM in Intellectual Property and a J.D. from The John Marshall Law School in 2007. Christopher's distinguished legal career included serving as a Senior Partner at Family Law Solutions, where he was known for his empathy and expertise in family law. He was also a founding partner at Johnsen Law, LLC, before joining Family Law Solutions. His professional accomplishments were many—he taught Trial Advocacy at Loyola Law School for eight years and was admitted to practice before the U.S. Supreme Court.

Christopher was deeply committed to community service and pro bono work. He served on the board of the Minority Legal Education Review, was a committee member with the Diversity Scholarship Foundation since 2017 and contributed his time to the Illinois Access to Justice Committee, Legal Assistance Foundation (LAF), Chicago Volunteer Legal Services (CVLS), and many other organizations. His dedication was recognized through numerous honors, including "Advocate of the Month" by Illinoisprobono.org, Leading Lawyers, Peer Selected (2005), Illinois Rising Star, Super Lawyers (2016-2019), Best Under 40 by the American Institute of Family Law Attorneys (2016-2018), and Top 40 Under 40 by the American Society of Legal Advocates (2017-2018).

Christopher approached life with a spirit of adventure and joy. He was an avid traveler, a motorcycle enthusiast, and found enjoyment in recreational handgun shooting and streetcar racing. He was also a passionate and experienced equestrian. Christopher will be fondly remembered as a devoted son, partner, colleague, and friend. His integrity, genuine compassion, unwavering commitment to his family, friends, clients and lifelong pursuit of justice will leave a lasting legacy.

He was preceded in death by his beloved mother, Toni (née Baudino) Johnsen; paternal grandparents, John Christopher Johnsen and Irma (née Murer) Johnsen; maternal grandfather, Lawrence Baudino; maternal grandmother, Corrine (née Cambruzzi) Heintz; and maternal step-grandfather, Joseph Heintz.

Christopher is survived by his loving father, John W. Johnsen, former Sheriff of Will County, as well as many cherished family members, friends, and countless colleagues throughout the justice system.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Christopher's name to Morning Star Mission or PAWS of Chicago would be deeply appreciated.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, June 7, 2026, in the O'Neil Funeral Home Chapel 1105 E. 9th St. (159th St.) from 1:00pm until 5:00pm. Everyone will MEET AT St. Dennis Catholic Church 1214 S. Hamilton St. Lockport, IL 60441 on Monday, June 8, 2026, for Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00am. Following Mass cremation rites will be respectfully addressed.