Thursday, February 22, 2018 ~ 10:00 a.m.
Bethlehem Lutheran Church ~ Wahoo, Nebraska
In care of the family for future designation
Eric Lee Stoakes, Age 51, of Omaha, Nebraska entered into rest on February 16, 2018 after a 27 day fight surrounded by family and friends. He was born on March 19th, 1966 in Omaha, Nebraska to Norman and Sharon Stoakes. Eric graduated from Millard South High School in 1984 and went on to graduate with honors from the University of Nebraska at Omaha.
Eric started his journalism career as the Graphics Editor for Kids Magazine. He then went on to venture as the Co-Creator of Medium Magazine and followed as the Promotion Director at The Reader. Eric was a big contributor to Omaha Magazine and was the Managing Editor of Encounter Magazine. He played an important role in many events in the metro community, including coordinating the Puppy Pageant benefiting the Council Bluffs Humane Society, Goth Ball organizer, and many, many more.
Eric was a dear friend and mentor to many. He believed in aspiring artists of all kinds and made a positive impact on the art, performance, film, and music scene in the Omaha area. He will be remembered as a talented writer, loving son, brother and uncle. He leaves behind his 3 beloved Chihuahuas; Petey, Bullet, and Coco.
He is survived by his mother, Sharon Stoakes; sister, Julianne Kay Stoakes; nieces, Jessica (Trevor) Ketelsen and Nicole Maxine Chizek; great nieces, Grace and Olivia; great nephew, Cash; aunts, Janet Emken, Linda Raumaker, Karol Stoakes, Geraldine Sheets, Mickey Vrba, Sally Stoakes; uncles, Ken Emken and Paul Raumaker; many other family members and friends.
Proceeded in death by his father, Norman Lee Stoakes.
A Celebration of Life will be held in Omaha at a later date.
Eric’s passing is very sad news for us all. He was a great friend and rock for us all at the Omaha Reader. Eric was a gentle soul and scholar, incredibly patient with us all in the Visual Arts making our work that much easier and enjoyable. He will truly be missed.
My deepest sympathy to Eric’s family and friends. I worked with Eric for almost five years at the Reader – he was always super kind and supportive of me. I can’t hardly believe you are truly gone – you were a rock for so many people. God Bless you Eric. Be free of pain and suffering now. Love you.
We have lost a part of our family. Eric was such a good person and had a big heart. I enjoyed every moment that I got to spend with him and I knew we were blessed with a beautiful nephew. I was overwhelmed when I found out how many people Eric touched. I helped Eric a lot, his wash shopping and even getting to know his little puppies. It was very hard to let him go but now he is heaven where there is no pain. Rest in peace. We love you, Aunt Linda.
Sharon and family, So very sorry to hear of the passing of Eric.I extend my deepest sympathy!
Eric was important to so many people and will be deeply missed. Wishing for peace for his family and hoping everyone who loved him will find comfort in happy memories.
Heartbreaking news. I remember Eric as a happy young guy with a big heart and lots of smarts.
May memories of him comfort all of his family and friends.
This isn’t heartbreaking. I served as Eric’s intern at The Reader for almost 4 years. He was so ambitious and creative. He had big dreams for Omaha and I hope that we can continue to produce fashion shows and put on charity events in his honor. He deserves to have a legacy in this city.
Be it Omaha Magazine, or The Reader, any time I had Eric working on my story, I breathed a sigh of relief. His loss in the Omaha writing community is immeasurable. Goodbye, friend.
Wishing you and the family our sincerest condolences and prayers. Eric is our friend and we supported him in all his efforts and endeavors. We will miss him.
Sincerely, The Griffin Family Jerry, Kathy and Kersty
I was just reading the Spring issue of Omaha Woman and saw a dedication to Eric. We weren’t great friends but friends we were. It began as a business relationship. I was the President of Heartland Pride and he was my contact at the Reader. He and I worked together to produce a puppy pageant at Pride 2015. He was a creative and inspiring person who will be missed.