Christopher Armbrust

Christopher P. Armbrust, 61, of Zumbrota, MN passed away at St. Mary's Hospital on July 16, 2025.

Born to Walter and Virginia on March 14, 1964 in Rochester, MN, Chris was a beloved son, brother, father, husband, grandpa, friend, and dog-lover. After Chris graduated from John Marshall High School, he attended Rochester Community College.

While studying at RCC, Chris began working for Rochester School Bus Service/RSB Coaches - an opportunity that marked the beginning of a long and impactful career in student transportation with a passionate devotion to safety and operations.

Chris started as a bus driver and quickly took on a variety of leadership roles over the years, including Area Safety Manager for the states of Minnesota, Iowa, Wisconsin and Nebraska. Chris stepped away from Rochester to serve as the Area Operations Manager for Vision Transportation Company, but eventually returned to Rochester to take on the role of General Manager at First Transit in Rochester. Though he retired for a short period, his commitment to student transportation brought him back to the industry as Safety Director for Palmer Bus Service. Most recently, Chris had been driving for Palmer and loved the time he spent with the children that rode his bus.

Throughout his career, Chris touched the lives of countless bus drivers and employees across multiple companies. Chris contributed to national safety initiatives and projects and his work made a lasting and positive impact on the safe transportation of students to and from school - a legacy of care, leadership and service.

In Chris's spare time, he loved to travel, fish, and play (or try his best at) golf with his wife Tammy. Chris was an amateur pitmaster, loved playing fetch with Indy, and spending time with his grandkids who adored Grandpa Chris.

Chris is survived by his wife Tammy, son Kevin (Gloria), stepchildren Tony (Teri), Ashley (Jake), Amanda (Brian), son by choice Ted Ohm, and precious grandchildren Jack, Marcelle, Sam, Millie, Hudson, Brooks, and of course his beloved German shorthair Lab Indiana aka Indy Butt. He is also survived by loving brothers and sisters, John, Ginny (Steve), Mark (Jane), Beth (Brian) Haman, Kurt (Marie) and sister in law, Julie as well as nieces and nephews Amy, Pete, Niki, Katie, Ben, Tom, and Alyssa. Chris was preceded in death by parents Walter and Virginia and oldest brother Dick.

The family would like to thank Chris's caregivers on Domatilla 6 and Marybrigh 6B, with special thanks to Nick and Marnie, for their heartfelt care and compassion provided to Chris and our family. A special thank you to our longtime physician Dr. Hafdahl.

A celebration of life will be held from 3-6pm on Sunday, July 20, 2025, at Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home, 5421 Royal Place NW, Rochester, MN.

Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Armbrust family.