Brodhead, WI – Christopher “Buddha” McLain   \m/, age 56, passed away unexpectedly on March 15, 2024.

Christopher was born on January 26, 1968 in Freeport, IL the son of Gary McLain and Sherri Mullen.  He married Michelle Martin on April 19, 1997 in Brodhead. They were married for 26 years and they were more than husband and wife, they were best friends and were never seen without each other.

Buddha worked for Advance Transformer for 10 years prior to working for 24 years at Grande’ Cheese Factory  in the waste water treatment plant.

Buddha enjoyed gambling, fishing and listening to rock music.  But most of all, he was the best friend to many including his family.  Buddha enjoyed his Lake Chetek trips every year with his aunts and uncles and he never had a complaint about anything – he truly was the best laid back kinda guy.

Buddha is survived by his wife, Michelle; 2 children, Fischer (Chesnie) McLain and Karlee (Brendan) Olson; his parents, Gary McLain and Sherri (Richard) Mullen; 2 brothers, Todd (Amy) McLain and Scott (Tammy) McLain; two nephews, Landon McLain and Charlie Martin; one niece, Haylee McLain; his mother in law, Bonnie Martin; a brother in law, Aaron Martin and several other aunts, uncles, relatives and friends.

Thoughts from his children: Fischer: I’m hoping to be the dad and best friend you were to me.  Just know I’ll always love you and will always have a special place in my heart.

Karlee:  From the daughter that lost her best friend, I want to say that I love you very much and that I will always be your little girl. Forever and always.

Buddha was preceded in death by an uncle, Karl McLain and his father in law, Michael Martin.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be directed to the family in his memory.

A memorial gathering will be held at the DL Newcomer Funeral Home in Brodhead on Saturday, March 23, 2024 from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM.  Cremation rites will be accorded at a later date.

P.S.     F.I.      \m/