Nathanial "Nate" Shafer

Nathanial ‘Nate’ Shafer, 36, of Wooster passed away unexpectedly after a tragic accident on the family farm on Saturday, November 28, 2020.

Incredibly loving, patient, hard-working, and generous, Nate made everyone feel like family. He was an engineer with a farmer’s heart and a brilliant mind, and he loved everything with wheels, gears, or wires. A self-taught jack of all trades, he could figure out how to fix, make, or put together anything. Growing up, Nate spent lots of time outdoors, building many CJ jeeps, and working on the farm. These hobbies continued into adulthood as he loved tinkering with engines and farm equipment, off road jeeping and polaris razors, building and racing RC cars, snowmobiling, boating, and camping. Anyone could call him at any time about things they needed built or fixed, he would spend hours researching the best way to do it, and then he would help them or do it for them. Nate always went out of his way to help others without asking for anything in return.

Nate loved to make people laugh with his jokes and funny lines, and he was known for putting on the best 4th of July fireworks display in Plain Township. If you ever ate a meal with Nate and a group of people you could always tell which plate was his. A big plate of meat and potatoes and nothing more — always. Nate loved his family and friends through acts of service and was known to spend months working on big projects that would bring them joy. He was a protector to his two older siblings, brightening their days with his brotherly banter. Everything was a competition between him and his brother, and he enjoyed the friendly challenge. His brother was his best friend. He never ended a conversation with his sister without saying “love you sis,” and she always turned to him for advice, help, and good laughs. He treasured the time he spent with his five nephews, teaching them new skills with his fun-loving personality. He loved and admired his parents, and embodied the work ethic and values he learned on their farm.

Above all, Nate cherished the love and life he shared with his wife and children. He knew his wife Kara was the love of his life from the first night he met her. His two children have been able to experience so many different adventures in their short lives because of their daddy. Kara loved seeing Nate with the kids as they were constantly laughing and smiling or snuggling up on the couch together to watch a movie. The love he had for his family was unmatched. 

Nate was born November 14, 1984, in Mansfield, Ohio. He was a 2003 graduate of Hillsdale High School where he was involved in FFA, soccer, football, track, and honor society. He graduated from the University of Akron in 2009, where he studied management and mechanical engineering. He started out as a Development Engineer and later continued into a Program Manager position at Schaeffler Group in Wooster, Ohio. He was a member of Mohicanville Community Church and attended Trinity Lutheran Church in Ashland.

Married August 25, 2012, Nate is survived by his wife Kara (Baker) Shafer, and two children, Abigail Rowan (4) and Wyatt Nathanial (1 ½). He is also survived by his parents Don and Sue (Topper) Shafer, parents-in-law Steve and Cheryl Baker, sister Josie Shafer, brother Ben (Rachel) Shafer, nephews Cameron, Parker, and Archie Shafer, brother-in-law Jon (Laura) Baker, nephews Emerson and Aidan Baker, sisters-in-law Jenna Baker, Kelly Baker, and Jordyn Baker, and many other friends and relatives.

He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents Donald and Kay Shafer and his maternal grandparents Cleve and Josephine Topper.

Friends and family may call on Friday, December 4, from 12:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. at Fickes Funeral Home in Jeromesville, Ohio. In order to keep our family and friends safe, all attendees will be required to bring and wear a mask and practice social distancing at all times. A private service will be held for the family and will be livestreamed. Friends may visit the Fickes Funeral Home Facebook page on Saturday, December 5 at 4:00 P.M. to watch the livestream.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made payable to the Nate Shafer Memorial Fund (in care of PNC Bank, 112 W. Liberty Street, Wooster, OH 44691) in support of his children.

Online condolences may be shared with the family at fickesfuneralhome.com.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Nathanial "Nate" Shafer, please visit our floral store.