Christopher "Chris" Badje

Christopher "Chris" Badje, 58, of Columbus, Nebraska, died Tuesday, August 4, 2026, at Emerald Nursing & Rehab in Columbus.

Private interment will be in All Saints Cemetery and a celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Christopher Thomas Badje was born on January 26, 1968, in Norfolk, Nebraska, to John and Patricia (Waite) Badje. He grew up in Columbus and graduated from Columbus High School in 1986. After graduation, Chris moved to Colorado and lived there for many years. 

Chris worked in the meat packing industry in delivery and as an inspector. He later worked as a supervisor for Wal Mart for over a decade. He moved back to Columbus in recent years to be near his family. 

Chris spent many summers visiting family in western Nebraska and the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation. His great grandmother gave him the Lakota name Wanbli' Tokahe', (First Eagle) when he was a teenager. He loved the Lakota culture. 

Chris was an exceptional artist, both drawing and painting. He loved fishing and camping in the mountains of beautiful Colorado. He also enjoyed many sports and was a fan of the Colorado Rockies, Philadelphia Eagles, Boston Celtics and Nebraska football. He attended many Rockies games while living Colorado. Chris was a great DIYer and was always learning and was always fixing something, especially his cars. He was a friendly person who would talk to anyone and loved to tease. He was a very spiritual person who loved to sing and to pray. He loved his family and always sought to stay in touch with them. 

Chris is survived by: 
Son: Christian Thomas Badje 
Mother: Patsy Woodrick 
Sister: Robin Roark 
Brother: Regan Woodrick 
Many aunts, uncles & cousins

Chris was preceded in death by: 
Father: John Badje 
Step Father: Roger Woodrick 
Numerous aunts & uncles