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Adam Windnagel Obituary
He was born on October 23rd, 1990, in Canton, OH, the second of three children to Mark and Kim Windnagel (Pazyniak).
Adam graduated Magna Cum Laude from The Ohio State University with degrees in Economics and German. He achieved numerous honors throughout his time at school, but what he treasured most were the lifelong friends he made in his Fisher College of Business Honors Cohort.
A true renaissance man, Adam had many talents and passions. He saw the best in those around him and uplifted all those who crossed his path. He was well-versed in almost every topic and would happily provide Youtube recommendations to supplement his knowledge. A walking comedy show, Adam was quick with a joke. He had one for every occasion, often trying them out on the spot, regardless of whether they were winners or works in progress. He loved spending time with his family, especially his sisters, Kasey and Kate, who eventually gave up playing board games with him due to his unparalleled winning streak (and thus beginning a long-standing ban on family Monopoly games).
Adam's passion for food was shared widely in the community. He cooked for many restaurants across Cleveland, made meals for friends, and regularly made a mess of his mother's kitchen (and conveniently avoided clean-up duty). He was also well-known for his musical talent - whether playing or listening. It was rare to see him without his guitar in tow and he was always eager to share the backstory of a new band he had discovered.
Adam had the ability to leave the deepest impressions on people, and this fact is made clearer by the outpouring of love and stories from those who mourn him. His legacy will certainly live on through our memories.
To honor Adam and his love of German culture, a memorial celebration will be held at the German Central Foundation, 7863 York Road, Parma, OH, 44130 on Sunday, April 14th, from 11am-3pm. Instead of black, we invite you to honor Adam by wearing casual and cheerful attire.
Go Browns.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Oleh Holowatyj
December 15, 2024
A farm pickup me and Adam did- went to a restaurant and poked fun at the paintings.
Tammy Karris
April 17, 2024
My deepest condolences to the Windnagel family. So terribly sorry to hear about Adam´s passing. May all your wonderful memories of such a special young man provide some comfort at this time. Another bright star taken much too early. Thinking of your family as you navigate through grief and this tumultuous time. Sending hugs to your family.
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Meka Seymour
April 15, 2024
Thank you for sharing Adam with all of us, he was wise beyond his years and truly one of a kind.
Our time at OSU only overlapped briefly but his sincerity and generosity of spirit were unforgettable. I´ll been carrying around his life advice and the memories we made fondly forever.
Jolanka Fisher
April 15, 2024
I worked with Adam briefly in 2016 and it left a big impression for such a short time. He was the relative baby of the group and wore the label with pride and great humor. My favorite memory of him is when the team was doing a corporate ice breaker thing, going around saying what their first album was -- an activity guaranteed to make someone feel old. The person before Adam said something like "I downloaded my first album from Napster" to which Adam deadpanned "What's Napster?" He wasn't trying to be funny, just honest, but it landed;. As I got to know him, he was always intensely kind, thoughtful, funny, and interested in the world. We kept in touch periodically since then, but it's been awhile. He was a bright light and brought joy to those around him. May his memory be a blessing.
Riley Allen
April 15, 2024
Adam was one of the most fun, kind and intelligent people I had the pleasure to know and honor to call my fraternity brother. I met him not long after I transferred to Ohio State and he became one of my first new friends I made. After spending a week in paradise during spring break in Bimini, I decided to rush the Kappa Sigma fraternity and had some of the best years of my life with Adam and the friends I made thanks to him. Listening to Gotye, Fun and other music with him was a highlight and he brought an infectious energy to anywhere he was. I'm going to miss you so much Adam, thank you for everything you gave me and I'll remember you forever brother.
Sarah Raehl
April 15, 2024
Sarah Raehl
April 15, 2024
Sarah Raehl
April 15, 2024
I had the honor of serving as Adam's first manager when he joined Deloitte after college. It was an absolute blast working with him over the years and becoming friends. He was the most kind, thoughtful, and funny person, and not to mention insanely smart, with a tremendous work ethic. I always loved traveling with him, as well as talking music and food back in Chicago. It has been almost 10 years since then and I regularly find myself thinking about him and admiring how he integrated his life's passion into his work. Rest in peace Adam. You will be greatly missed.
Cj Straw
April 14, 2024
Adam was an awesome guy to me. My two favorite memories was when I came over and I asked you about your guitars. You took me in the basement where your setup was, and tried to teach me how to play on the Ibanez GRGR120EX Electric Guitar Jewel Blue. It was my favorite one you had so I took a picture to always remember just incase I wanted to buy one. You wouldnt give me that guitar that day but you did gave me a small amp for my first guitar. My second favorite memory was when we were all gathered around the kitchen table papa you and I were saying and doing all of the classic papas jokes. Like the spider on the mirror, no eyed deer joke and more. Another favorite memory that happened quite often is coming over when it was just you home and you letting me raid the candy jar. All and all Adam you were a great neighbor to have and you will be truly missed. Love you buddy. -Cj
Jason Pascuzzi
April 13, 2024
You´ve impacted us all in so many ways. I love you bud <3
Thomas Gallagher
April 13, 2024
Our special moment was when he joined us and Brian to Las Vegas and we took a side visit to the Grand Canyon. The boys enjoyed themselves and loved going g down the path in the canyon. A great memory for us all.
Kevin Cola
April 13, 2024
H. Rao Unnava
April 13, 2024
A happy person who spread joy to everyone around. You couldn't not smile when he was around.
Nancy Lahmers
April 13, 2024
Nancy Lahmers
April 13, 2024
Nancy Lahmers
April 13, 2024
Nancy Lahmers
April 13, 2024
Adam was an outstanding student in the Honors Cohort at Fisher College of Business at OSU. It was my total joy to have him in my classes for an entire academic year. However, the most unique memory for me was his participation on a 3 member team in the Wall Street Journal BuizQuiz competition in November 2010. Adam and his teammates competed against 17 other universities, and of course, they excelled.
Kevin Cola
April 13, 2024
Adam was such a kind, genuine and funny person. I always jokingly say that he ruined the movie `Napoleon Dynamite´ for me after it came out because he would repeat the lines over and over and laugh out loud each time. I also remember after a football game and a bunch of us were hanging out, Adam insisted we all come over to eat cheesecake at his house. He was also part of the group that painted our chests for the football games our senior year and he was always very comical as usual. I don´t think I saw Adam after we graduated high school, but I only have good memories of him. The Windnagel family is in my prayers.
Kelly Hampton
April 12, 2024
Kelly Hampton
April 12, 2024
Kelly Hampton
April 12, 2024
Kelly Hampton
April 12, 2024
Kelly Hampton
April 12, 2024
Kelly Hampton
April 12, 2024
Big Girls Club FOREVER! We´re all so lucky to have been given the gift of knowing and loving Adam. Cousins really do make the best friends.
Mike O'Brien
April 12, 2024
After attending 2nd-5th grade together, Adam and I reconnected senior year when we had a lot of classes together. One thing that struck me then and now is that the fact that Adam was way cooler than me never stopped him from being a good friend. He had a rare combination of book smarts, street smarts, and compassion that brought a lot to this world.
Suzan Windnagel
April 12, 2024
Suzan Windnagel
April 12, 2024
Suzan Windnagel
April 12, 2024
Suzan Windnagel
April 12, 2024
Adam would dive in to any situation or event at family gatherings with his amazing talents and energy from the very beginning! I am so lucky to be his Aunt and to have so many cherished memories with family & friends. I couldn´t really keep up with all the "new" bands he introduced me to but it was always fun to try! It kept us connected. I continued to listen to Pokey La Farge over the years...always will!...and so cherish the signed Pokey poster he added to my home kitchen art collection Love you Adam - always in my heart!
Dobie & Lisa Moser
April 11, 2024
I am sorry Katie to learn of Adam's leaving this world too soon. Please know that we send our heartfelt condolences to you and to your family. We have always been grateful for your kindness and giving spirit. As I read about Adam I see that it must be a family trait. We will pray for you all and we send our love. Peace be with you.
TJ Horansky
April 11, 2024
TJ Horansky
April 11, 2024
TJ Horansky
April 11, 2024
TJ Horansky
April 11, 2024
TJ Horansky
April 11, 2024
TJ Horansky
April 11, 2024
Adam was in my first band. We played our first show together at the Tri-C High School Rock-off at the Cleveland House of Blues in 2007. (Pictured; Adam is on the right). None of us wanted to play bass, so we switched instruments every song.
Throughout the years, Adam continued to show up and support my musical endeavors whenever we came through town on tour. On more than one occasion, he cooked for the entire touring crew ... and asked for nothing in return. He even once opened up Toast during off-hours to prepare a multi-course meal for us (followed by a few libations at the bar).
He was kind, gifted, intelligent, generous, and genuinely funny. He was my friend. We love you, Adam.
David Sudnick
April 10, 2024
I worked with Adam as a co-manager at Lox, Stock and Brisket. He and I could have been working virtually anywhere we chose in the culinary world but chose to be in a place that fit and that meant something to us. He and I shared our love of deep cleaning and doing things the way that we thought they ought to be done. We cared tremendously about the process and exploring how we could always do things better. He and I never became as close of friends as I would have liked, I think because our paths crossed at the wrong time. In a future life, I feel we would be thick as thieves. As things were though, he and I had incredibly deep conversations and often argued our points at nauseum. While we did not always agree, we were always incredibly respectful to one another and fought to understand each other's points of view. That, in my opinion, is the rarest kind of human being. I feel lucky to have had him in my life for a short time. My only regret was not spending more time with him and becoming a closer friend. It shakes me to my core that someone one of his integrity and kindness can be gone from this world at such a young age. I only hope that his loss can propel myself and others to more like him.
Nat Henry
April 10, 2024
I got to know Adam at Ohio State, where he was two years ahead of me. Here is my quintessential Adam story - I once went a student org meeting where Adam was the only person I knew in the room. As a gregarious and well-liked junior, he could have just ignored the shy freshman, but he brought me into the conversation instead and introduced me to everyone he knew. That's how I'll always remember him: as a generous and genuine friend.
Lonnie and Karen Shiffert
April 10, 2024
My favorite memory of Adam was the thank you note he sent us for his graduation gift. I've held onto it through the years because it is the best one I've ever received. Adam was pure joy and kindness. Our deepest sympathies are with all of you.
Zack Maier
April 10, 2024
Adam and I worked together at Deloitte. It was our first job out of college, the kind that molds and shapes you for the rest of your life. He and I were fast friends - we shared a lot of similarities. We both had great friend groups we'd made in college who all lived together in Chicago. We had a real passion for live music. We had similar senses of humor (read: I thought his horrible jokes were hilarious).
Adam and I spent loads of time together in those first two post-collegiate years in Chicago. We saw loads of shows, spent many fun nights out, and pretty quickly, my friends became his and his mine.
Adam was spontaneous and witty. Opinionated and thoughtful. He was the type of person that brought significant joy into every room he entered. He was committed to the bit, in every way.
As I discussed his passing with everyone who mutually knew him, this was the common theme - he was simply hilarious. His energy was contagious and he was simply someone you wanted to be around. He made every day better.
Patrick Westerlund
April 10, 2024
I really loved having Adam in my life. We met at OSU and he had a big influence on who I became after college. He fought hard for the people and causes he cared about.
Joanna Full [Jodie Sullivan]
April 10, 2024
The topic of gifted education came up in a conversation recently and I said "Hey, we had one normal kid!" I was referring to Adam, of course. But he wasn´t just normal, he was special. He was so smart and so funny - he had charisma pouring out of his ears. That´s probably why I had that big, goofy crush on him. Today, I would not have been even a little surprised to hear that he had become a billionaire entrepreneur or perhaps the benevolent dictator of a small, obscure nation. But I was surprised, and deeply sad, to hear this. I am so, so sorry for your loss, Windnagel ("Wiggle") family.
Bob Straw
April 10, 2024
Adam & friends in pouring rain playing Duct-tape football (kids are taped not the ball fyi!)
Adam has been the only Windnagel allowed to touch my "good" guitar, sorry Katie!
Celeste D´Netto
April 10, 2024
I was a super shy freshman at a networking event and I think Adam noticed, so during a break he pointed out to me that the "adults" there were just people that like to drink and laugh too, it was so kind and encouraging and came from such a genuine and helpful place.
Neale Rath
April 9, 2024
Rarely in life do we encounter as uplifting of a person to be around as Adam. Smart as a whip, incredibly talented, and a beautiful gift of being able to bring out the best in everyone around him. So blessed to have had the opportunity to work with Adam.
Nathan Rosenstock
April 9, 2024
So many laughs with Adam. He made life more fun when you were with him.
Debbie Scott
April 9, 2024
I always remember Adam as a "Bright Star"! Cheerful, funny and self-directed. Sending sincere sympathy to the Windnagel family. You are in our hearts and prayers. Debbie and Jeff Scott
Oleh holowatyj
April 9, 2024
I loved Adam very much. I am so sorry. He was a beautiful person.
Katie Tymoszczuk
April 9, 2024
Katie Tymoszczuk
April 9, 2024
Katie Tymoszczuk
April 9, 2024
Katie Tymoszczuk
April 9, 2024
Katie Tymoszczuk
April 9, 2024
Katie Tymoszczuk
April 9, 2024
Katie Tymoszczuk
April 9, 2024
Katie Tymoszczuk
April 9, 2024
In loving memory of such a great person. We will love you and miss you always.
Marie Berner
April 9, 2024
Dear Kim, Mark, Kasey and Kate,
I pray that the anguish you´re feeling will slowly be lessened by happy memories of the amazing gifts Adam brought to this world.
Bob Straw
April 9, 2024
Observing Adam & friends playing duct tape football in front yard (kids were taped, not the ball!!)
Adams the only Windnagel I let play my "good" guitar....sorry Katie!
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