Judge Mark Fankhauser remembered for ‘service,’ ‘integrity,’ ‘enduring love’

In 2009, an attorney who was going to run for the Portage County Municipal Court judgeship backed out, leaving an opening. 

With just a few days to find a candidate, Bob Fankhauser, former chief of the Adult Probation Department of Portage County, approached Laurie Pittman, Portage County common pleas judge, and suggested his son, Mark Fankhauser.

“Mark had four days to get his petitions filled out and, well, he did it,” Pittman said.

After he unexpectedly died on Feb. 15, Judge Mark Fankhauser, who served on the bench for 16 years, is remembered for his ambition, passion and commitment, not only to his community but also to his family.

The Ohio Supreme Court will temporarily appoint a visiting judge to fill in. Pittman thinks that will be a retired judge, until Gov. Mike DeWine appoints a new judge from candidates recommended by the Ohio Republican Party State Central Committee. This past week, Judge Melissa Roubic and Judge Kevin Poland handled Fankhauser’s caseload.

The last time a judge died during their term was when municipal court Judge Don Martell died in 2004. Barbara Oswick filled Martell’s vacancy for eight months after his death.

Fankhauser was born Feb. 4, 1970 to Linda and Bob Fankhauser. Between Linda Fankhauser’s role as Portage County clerk of courts and Bob Fankhauser’s legal and law enforcement career, it was a natural fit for Mark Fankhauser to become an attorney and eventually a judge, said Sabrina Christian-Bennett, Portage County commissioner.

“He was generous not only to his family and friends, but also to the people who came before him in his courtroom,” she said. “His compassion often extended beyond his judicial duties into everyday life.”

After graduating from Ravenna High School in 1988 and earning a bachelor’s degree from Kent State University in 1992, Mark Fankhauser received a law degree from the University of Akron in 1998.

In January 2010, Fankhauser was sworn in as a municipal court judge.

“Judge Fankhauser served this community with an unwavering commitment to fairness. In every case, he treated people with respect and dignity, listening carefully before issuing decisions rooted in law and common sense,” Christian-Bennett said.

When Mark Fankhauser was 23 years old, Mike Lewis, president and CEO of Hometown Bank in Kent, introduced him to his wife, Jill; ever since, they were inseparable. 

“For 33 years, his commitment to his wife, Jill Fankhauser, reflected the same steady character he demonstrated in his legal career,” Christian-Bennett said.

The couple enjoyed visiting friends’ homes after eating out, bringing them dishes that they thought they would appreciate, as well as always welcoming friends into their home.

“On the way back, he might unexpectedly stop by a friend’s house, drop it off at the door and simply say he enjoyed it so much that he wanted them to have the opportunity to enjoy it, too,” Christian-Bennett said. 

Mark Fankhauser is survived by his wife, Jill Fankhauser; three children, Molly, Jake and Noah Fankhauser; and sisters, Beth Russell and Marla Boltz.

Because the Fankhausers were community oriented, Pittman said Mark Fankhauser will be remembered for his charity, donating to scholarship funds and contributing to boosters.

The day before he died, he and Pittman called each other three times to discuss making probation officers’ salaries more in line with other counties. For the past several years, she has worked to increase their salaries and wanted Mark Fankhauser on board with her efforts.

Calling hours for Mark Fankhauser were held on Friday, Feb. 20 at Shorts-Spicer-Crislip Funeral Home in Ravenna. A celebration of life will be held on a later day.

To honor Mark Fankhauser, the county lowered the Ohio flags at both the Kent and Ravenna Municipal Courthouses on Tuesday, Feb. 17.

“His legacy is one of service, integrity and enduring love,” Christian-Bennett said.