Gary Nuhfer, age 68 of Willard, Ohio passed away at his home surrounded by his family on Thursday, March 24, 2022 after a two-year battle with ALS. He was born May 31, 1953 in Fremont to the late Thomas and Eunice (Sampsel) Nuhfer.
Gary attended and graduated from Willard High School and was an active and passionate member of their wrestling team. In the first year the team was created, he had the first pin for the WHS team. He followed the team for years after, and his magnetic personality led him to becoming a mentor to many of the kids (especially his sons).
Gary was an adventurer and enjoyed riding his Harley. He and his wife, Amy, would travel out West and he made sure they always took the backroads. His love for the West extended beyond their travels and onto his TV where an episode of his favorite show Gunsmoke would likely be playing.
For his entire life, Gary was a dairy farmer. He was a member of the Ohio Jersey Breeders Association as well as the American Jersey Cattle Association. His passion for the dairy industry led to owning an ice cream production company with his family.
Gary was a hard worker and a strong influence for his community in many ways. Besides being a farmer, he was a maintenance worker for the City of Willard. At each place, he was an unofficial and humble mentor, and many people would come to him for words of advice.
In 2020, Gary received the devastating diagnosis of ALS. His family grieved as they watched it take away his strength. Even though the disease left him weak, his strong presence and personality never wavered. He will be remembered as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend. He was a well-loved leader, mentor, and friend to all.
He is survived by his wife, Amy (Weygandt) Nuhfer, whom he married on July 14, 1979; 3 sons, Jason Nuhfer of Willard, Colby Nuhfer of Willard, and Brock (Tiffany) Nuhfer of Willard; 5 grandchildren, Gracie, Gage, Bo, Wyatt, and Dean Nuhfer; 3 sisters, Rebecca (Lee) Ortman of Beavercreek, Barb (Jack) Hunter of Cincinnati, and Bobbi Fries (Dave Featheringill) of Willard; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Tom (Elaine) Weygandt, Joy Weygandt, Linda (Ken) Bowers, David Weygandt (fiance, Randi Montell) and Carrie (Andy) Becker. Gary is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews, as well as special friends Barry Jester, Dale Worcester, Dave Arnold, John Rose, and Fred Huber.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Thomas and Eunice Nuhfer; sister, Sandra Nuhfer; brother-in-law Steve Fries; and father and mother-in-law Harold and Marilyn Weygandt.
Visitation will be Tuesday, March 29, 2022 from 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM and from 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM at the Secor Funeral Home in Willard, Ohio. Visitation will continue on Wednesday, March 30, 2022 at the First United Methodist Church in Willard from 10:00 a.m. until the time of his funeral service at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Michael Padula and Pastor Lee Ortman officiating. A lunch will be provided at the church immediately following the funeral. There will be a graveside service following the lunch at 3:00 PM in the Gibsonburg Union Cemetery in Gibsonburg, Ohio. Memorial contributions may be made to Stein Hospice or Team Gleason for ALS. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.secorfuneralhomes.com.
Condolences
Larry - Apr 2, 2022
So Sorry to hear, Gary was such a great guy, only knew him a short time but what an impression he made on me as being an amazing man. Glad his legacy lives on with family and farm. Prayers sent.....
Phillip Owens - Mar 29, 2022
Amy, I’m so very sorry to hear about Gary. I enjoyed the time I met you and Gary in Virginia and enjoyed talking to Gary. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Ron and Cheryl Kessler - Mar 29, 2022
Amy and family..sending our thoughts and prayers to all of you..we always enjoyed talking with Gary… may you find peace and comfort.
Eric and Tracy Brown - Mar 29, 2022
Our deepest and most sincere condolences.
Dan & Becky Mahl - Mar 29, 2022
Amy and family so sorry for your loss. Gary was always a good friend. RIP friend.
Mike Detterman and Detterman Family - Mar 29, 2022
Thoughts and Prayers, From our Wrestling days to Farming, Gary was a Leader. Godspeed
Bob and Denise Deppen, Brayden Pence - Mar 28, 2022
Our Deepest Condolences to the Nuhfer family ….was a neighbor for a long time…I grow up in the house Gary and Amy lived in…lots of childhood memories….may God wrap is arms around you all and give you peace…so sorry …RIP Gary
Myla Morgan - Mar 28, 2022
Amy and family I’m so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you
Dawn Barton - Mar 28, 2022
Jason, and family, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. You have my sympathy and prayers.
Brenda Robison - Mar 28, 2022
So very sorry to hear of your loss. Praying for you and your family. May God give you comfort and peace during this difficult time.
Jacki Wiles - Mar 28, 2022
Amy, my heart goes out to you and your family. John and I enjoyed being involved in the farm council group with you back in the day. Gary always had a smile on his face and I’m sure he will be missed by many. Stay strong.
Trish and Curby Slone - Mar 28, 2022
We are so so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Wendy Daniel - Mar 28, 2022
Amy and family - I'm so sorry to hear this. May your faith and family be your strength in the days ahead and your memories bring you comfort.
Michael A Phillips - Mar 27, 2022
Nuhfer Family: Sorry for your loss. May you hold all your memories close to your heart. A good high school friend he was! Michael
John and Audrey Rose - Mar 26, 2022
We are holding you up in prayer as you grieve the earthly presence of Gary. He was so courageous through his Battle with ALS. We will miss him tremendously. Trust God’s promises and know that you will be reunited with Gary again.
Bruce & Kathy Harter - Mar 26, 2022
We are saddened to hear of Gary’s passing. May your memories give each of you peace & comfort in the days ahead.
Bruce & Kathy Harter - Mar 26, 2022
We are saddened to hear of Gary’s passing. May your memories give each of you peace & comfort in the days ahead.
Susan goeckner - Mar 26, 2022
So glad you found some peace in David Lidy’s devotionals. Dave is my first cousin on my dads side and his wife Anita is my first cousin on my moms side When they lost their daughter Holly it was so painful. Worst thing I have ever been through. God is what has kept David and Anita going each day. The devotionals are a. Blessing and I am so glad they brought you some peace. Will pray for your family. Susan
Ruby Greer - Mar 26, 2022
Remembering all our good times on the farm. When working for the City if we saw each other Gary always stopped and visited showing pictures of the Grandkids. Sending all my love.
David Alford - Mar 26, 2022
Thoughts and prayers to the family. Sorry to hear about Gary. I remember playing baseball at their farm and helping bale hay. Their milk operation was amazing!!
Jim & Jackie Ratliff - Mar 26, 2022
Sincere sympathy to the Nufher family. Many prayers for all of you.
Dwight & Vicki Roseler - Mar 26, 2022
Dear Amy, Jason, Colby, Brock/Tiffany, grandkids, sisters/spouses We extend our sincere condolences to you in the passing of Gary to his heavenly eternal home. His rock solid love, devotion for you all and his enthusiasm for farming, Jersey’s and life will live on in his legacy through you all. He will be sorely missed by all that were touched and inspired by his earthly life. Gods eternal comfort to each of you in this time of sorrow.
Rick and Connie Bores - Mar 26, 2022
Amy and family, so very sorry to hear of Gary’s passing! May your memories give you comfort 🙏🏻
Cynthia Lewellen Branham - Mar 26, 2022
Amy, Jason, Colby, Brock and families, Please accept my condolences on Gary's passing. Rest assured he is rejoicing in Heaven with our Saviour. May our merciful Father grant you comfort and peace. RIP Gary.
Ann (Koch) Luers - Mar 26, 2022
My sincere sympathy to Amy and her entire family. Eternal rest grant him oh Lord.
Marianne Miller Jasper - Mar 26, 2022
My sincere condolences to the Nuhfer family
Denny and Kris Doughty - Mar 26, 2022
Gary was an incredible man. He touched our lives when we were members of the Willard community. We will never forget the kindness of the Nuhfer family and the wonderful presence of Gary. He will be missed by all.
Susan Kay Mykrantz - Mar 25, 2022
Amy and family. I am so sorry for your loss. I always enjoyed seeing you and Gary at the Wayne County Fair and any Jersey event. My thoughts are with you and your family. Peace and prayers.
Barbara Greer - Mar 25, 2022
To Gary's Family I am so very for your loss. You have my deepest sympathy
Daniel Bevier - Mar 25, 2022
Condolences to his family. What a great guy!!! I remember going to the Daytona 500 in 1977 and stopping at a Pizza Hut in Lake City, FL. I looked up and there was Gary and Dale Worcester walking up to place an order. Those were the good old days!!!
Barbara Sampsel - Mar 25, 2022
You are forever in my heart cousin Gary. RIP
Linda Franks - Mar 25, 2022
I am so sorry for your great loss. Grief is such a hard part of life. Having a strong family sure helps in this hard part of life. God will also help .
Beth and Ed Phillips - Mar 25, 2022
So sorry for your loss. Such a great guy. Prayers for you and your family.
Thomas Howell - Mar 25, 2022
Amy, family and friends. I met Gary through my farmer friends. We had some great moments together with many laughs. I'm so sorry he is gone. My condolences for all of you. God Bless
Roger and Mary Harmon - Mar 25, 2022
So very sorry for your loss. He was a great neighbor and friend. Gary was a good competitor in 4-H in the Jersey dairy cow class when we were kids. He will be greatly missed by all that knew him.
