Erik Fjelde Kuhne, 57, of Merritt Island, passed away unexpectedly on April 15, 2024. Born March 4, 1967, in Champaign, IL, to Anne Marie Fjelde and Christopher Wood Kuhne, Erik graduated from Central High School in 1985 and received a degree in Equine Management in 1993 from Parkland College.
Erik was a jack-of-all-trades and enjoyed working with his hands, leading him to a career in construction, carpentry and handywork. When he wasn’t working, he spent time with his family sharing his love of cooking, smoking meat, and fishing. He liked to kick back and relax by the firepit and play pool with his friends at H & D Roadhouse. Erik was a lover of great music, delicious food, a good laugh, fast cars, time in nature, creating art, moon watching, star gazing, and all animals. He was known for his kind heart, welcoming demeanor, giving spirit, and twisted sense of humor.
Erik was a loving and devoted husband, father, son, brother, uncle, grandfather, and friend. He is survived by his wife Sarah Smith and their sons, Kristoffer Kuhne (24) and Alec Olaf Kuhne (15) of Merritt Island; his son Tyler William Kuhne of Carmel, IN; his bonus kids, Cora (Persephone) Smith of Kokomo, IN and Tyler Mekal Grippaldi of Indianapolis, IN; his grandchildren, Junior and Blake Stickels, also of Kokomo; his siblings, Deborah (Mark) Spalding of Champaign, IL, Bob Kuhne of Pensacola, FL, Kristin Kuhne of Champaign, IL, and Allison (Mike) Butcher of Crested Butte, CO; his father, Christopher Kuhne of Champaign; his eight nephews and four nieces; and four great nephews and one great niece. He is preceded in death by his mother, Anne Marie Fjelde, bonus mom Rita Jean Kuhne, and his beloved Uncle Rik Fjelde.