Hunter Paul Vatthauer, 27, passed away October 17th at his home in Red Lake Falls after a life-long battle with kidney disease. From day one Hunter defied the odds and lived life by his own set of rules. When he was ready to talk for the first time he spoke in sentences. His mind was a steel trap for fun facts and movie quotes, many of which he could recite in Spanish, French and occasionally Portuguese. The Sponge Bob theme song could even be heard in Japanese! He loved watching movies, playing video games, and even wrote music scores for YouTube movies he collaborated on with friends.

Hunter loved doing things with his family including tubing behind a jet ski and going to the water park with his sister Kylie, playing video games with his sister Emily, watching episodes of The Big Bang Theory with his dad and The Voice with his bonus mom Lynn and having bonfires with his mom.

When Hunter was asked what comes after graduation (Lafayette High School Class of 2018) he responded "I don't really know what I'm going to do after high school but I'm just going to throw myself out there and see what happens!" Unfortunately, Hunter sustained a brain injury a few months later after an extensive surgery. His love for media was replaced with a love for hugs.

Hunter had a way of finding joy in the little things, making people laugh, and leaving a lasting impression on everyone lucky enough to know him. He lived life with smile on his face that touched the hearts of others. There was something uniquely special about him that cannot quite be explained; only experienced. His magic will stay with us in every memory, every laugh, and every little piece of him we carry forward. He will never be forgotten.

He is survived by his mother Tammy Vatthauer; father Brian Vatthauer; stepmom Lynn Vatthauer; sisters Kylie Vatthauer (Jonathan,) and Emily (Andrew) Larson, nephew Jack Larson and nieces Lillia and Ava Larson; his grandmothers Lois Johanneck, and Connie Vatthauer; many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

Hunter is preceded in death by his grandfathers Dean Vatthauer and Herb Johanneck and his cousin Amanda (Manjo) Johanneck.