On Sunday, August 23, Chris Huffstetler unexpectedly passed away at only 37 years old, leaving behind his wife, Stephanie, and their two boys, Logan, 13, and Mason, 12.
For anyone who knew Chris, asking for help on behalf of his family feels especially fitting because Chris spent his life being the person others could count on. He truly would have given the shirt off his back to a complete stranger without thinking twice. He was the friend you called when you needed advice, a helping hand, someone to listen, or simply someone in your corner. He never made you feel like a burden or an inconvenience because if something mattered to you, it mattered to Chris too.
Chris genuinely cared, and it showed in the way he treated everyone around him. His hugs had a way of making whatever you were carrying feel a little lighter and, for a moment, making you feel completely safe. He somehow knew what to say when you couldn’t find the words yourself. His smile was contagious, and those big dimples made it impossible not to smile back.
But the greatest part of Chris’ life was the life he built with Stephanie.
Chris and Stephanie had been together since 2009. The love they shared was the kind of love most of us spend our lives hoping to find. They were best friends, soulmates, true partners, and each other’s person in every sense of the word. The kind of connection they shared is rare, and anyone who spent time around them could see it. They built a life together, raised their boys together, and planned on having so many more years ahead of them.
Being a father to Logan and Mason meant everything to Chris. His love for his boys was reflected in his patience, kindness, encouragement, and the way he consistently showed up for them. He pushed them to work hard, believe in themselves, and grow into kind, capable young men who understood the importance of character and family. Through the way he lived and the way he loved Stephanie, he showed his boys what it means to choose your person every day. He showed them by example what commitment, respect, partnership, and putting your family first actually look like.
Chris worked hard to provide for Stephanie and the boys and carried much of the responsibility for managing their household and finances. Stephanie has lost the person she has shared half of her life with. At the same time, she is now faced with carrying responsibilities that she and Chris had always carried together.
Chris had recently started a new job, and unfortunately, his life insurance benefits had not yet gone into effect when he passed away. His death was completely unexpected, leaving Stephanie to grieve an unimaginable loss while also facing financial circumstances she never had reason to prepare for.
The funds raised will go directly to Stephanie to help cover the immediate expenses associated with Chris’ Celebration of Life and final arrangements. The remaining funds will help with household bills, everyday expenses, and the loss of Chris’ income, giving Stephanie and the boys some financial stability while they grieve and begin facing a life that looks completely different from the one they had planned.
For years, Chris was the person everyone knew they could call. He gave freely, loved deeply, and never hesitated to be there when someone needed him. We cannot give Stephanie, Logan, and Mason back the person they lost, but we can help carry some of the weight Chris would have never wanted them carrying alone.
Now it is our turn to show up for his family.
Any donation will go directly toward supporting Stephanie and the boys. If donating is not possible, sharing this fundraiser can help us reach others who knew and loved Chris and want to help take care of the family that meant everything to him.
