Erik John Hartzell

Erik John Hartzell, age 25, laid aside his struggle with melanoma and went to be with his Lord and Savior on Sunday, May 22, 2011 at the Cleveland Clinic surrounded by his loving family. He was born on June 11, 1985 to Jeff and Kim Goodin Hartzell in Lake County, Ohio. A 2003 graduate of Southview High School, Erik also attended the University of Toledo. He then served in the U.S. Army, training to be a combat medic. In 2004, while in the Army he received his first diagnosis of melanoma. Erik was employed by Verizon Wireless as a small business account executive, a job he truly enjoyed. Erik married the love of his life Chelsea Heninger on July 17, 2009. He loved being with his family, his wife and he adored his young son, Cason. Family dinners, picnics, walks in the park, being with his brothers and spending time with his family at Paw Paw Lake were very special to Erik. He was an avid Ohio State Buckeye fan, also Cleveland Browns, Indians, and Cavaliers. He could be found playing his favorite X-Box Call of Duty game or reading or doing anything out of doors. Erik loved to dress up, dress down or whatever, he fit in for all occasions. His presence lit up any room he graced and he was the life of the party. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. He always had a smile on his face. Erik had a strong personality and was passionate about everything he did. Throughout his battle he never complained, he remained positive and never showed anger or self pity. He was the pillar that sustained his family and for that they are grateful. Erik is survived by his loving wife, Chelsea Hartzell; son, Cason; parents, Jeff and Kim Hartzell; brothers, Mike Kelsey Stachowiak, Jason, and Scott; maternal grandmother, Karen Goodin; maternal grandfather, Robert Goodin; paternal grandmother, Sarah Hartzell; father and mother-in-law, Jim and Pam Heninger; sister-in-law, Samantha Heninger; brother-in-law, Jimmy Heninger; sister-in-law, Jamie Ryan Keaton; and uncles, Chris Mindy and Jeff Sandra Goodin; and many loving relatives & friends. He was preceded in death by paternal grandfather, James Frederick Hartzell. Family and friends may visit at the Walker Funeral Home and Crematory, 5155 W. Sylvania Ave., west of Corey Rd on Wednesday from 4 to 7 pm and Thursday from 2 to 9 pm where funeral services will be held on Friday at 11 am. In lieu of flowers, the family suggest contributions be given to the Cason Hartzell College Fund at Fifth Third Bank. Eriks family would like to extend a heart felt thank you to all the doctors and the G70 nurses for all their wonderful and compassionate care at the Cleveland Clinic. Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.walkerfuneralhomes.com