Christian "Chris" Nguyen Michalek

Christian Nguyen Michalek, formerly of St. Paul, MN, passed away suddenly on 12/16/2010, at the age of 39 in his home in Gilbert, AZ. Chris was born on July 23, 1971 in Minneapolis, MN, to Maurice and Van Michalek. He is survived by his wife of 15 years, Laurie Michalek, of Gilbert, AZ, parents Maurice and Van Michalek of Arden Hills, MN, brothers Dominique and Patrick and niece Dasha Green. Anything Chris set his mind to doing, he did exceptionally well "" with gusto. He touched people all across the world with his talent and expertise. Chris was known as one of the best diatonic harmonica players in the world. Still talked about today, in June 2000, he organized the Global Harmonica Summit in Minneapolis which was a landmark event in the harmonica world. In 2008, he successfully began running his own harmonica customizing shop "" globally known as "Buddha Harps". Aside from his harmonica passion, he also was actively involved in training two of his dogs in the sport of Schutzhund where he had received the BH title for Xico, his Belgian Malinois. This was a great accomplishment for which he was very proud. Chris was very passionate about dog training as he was in all of his endeavors he took on in life. He will be forever missed. Memorial services will be held on Wednesday, December 22, 2010, at 11:00 AM at Falconer Funeral Home, 251 W Juniper Ave, Gilbert, AZ. Interment will be private.