Eric Hufnagel

Eric John Hufnagel was born on Sept. 22, 1992, to Clayton and Christi (Schroeder) Hufnagel. He passed away March 23, 2023, at his home in Okarche as a result of a seizure.

Eric spent most of his life battling Crohn’s Disease and the debilitating pain that often accompanied it.

Many who knew him were never aware of the daily struggles that existed in dealing with this “hidden illness.”

He found his calling when he decided to join his dad on the family farm as a fifth generation farmer, a farm his great-great-grandfather began in 1901.

His love for the land came naturally and he spent countless hours researching ways to improve farming practices.

He then spent countless days convincing his dad to implement these practices!

Nothing made us prouder than his love for the land, which was most evident in the photos he took of the beautiful sunsets at the end of each day.

Eric was humble and compassionate.

He was happiest when he was helping others and yearned to make the world a better place. He spent countless hours volunteering and his greatest satisfaction was in knowing his small deeds of kindness had changed someone’s life.

He is survived by his parents, Clayton and Christi (Schroeder) Hufnagel of the home in Okarche; sisters and brothers-in-law, Haley and Zac Maass, and Caitlin and Brandon Onley all of Okarche; grandparents, Beth Hufnagel, Katherine Schroeder and Allen Schroeder, all of Okarche; and by his adoring nieces and nephews, Kennedy, Hadley and Beckett Maass and Ellie, Graham and Hudson Onley.

His grandfather, Harold Hufnagel, preceded him in death.

Our greatest sorrow is that his life ended too soon and he will never see the fruits of his labor, or watch his nieces and nephews grow up; they adored their Uncle Eric.

We will miss his smile and laughter, his charm and wit.

Mass of Christian Burial was Tuesday, March 28, at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Okarche with Rev. Cory Stanley and Deacon Max Schwarz offi ciating.

Burial followed at Holy Trinity Cemetery under the direction of Huber-Benson Funeral Home.

“And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself restore, confirm, strengthen and establish you.” - 1 Peter 5:10