Portage County obituaries for Feb. 16-17, 2026
- Staff Report
Mark Fankhauser
Our beloved husband, father, son, brother, uncle, and friend, Mark Fankhauser, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday morning, February 15th, 2026. He will be remembered for his loyalty, generosity, and true compassion to everyone. Above all else, Mark’s greatest devotion was always to his family.
He is survived by his loving wife, Jill Fankhauser, his steadfast partner in every chapter of life. Mark was the proud and devoted father of Molly, Jake, and Noah, each of whom brought him immeasurable joy. He celebrated their accomplishments, supported their dreams, and carried immense pride in the people that they have become. Mark is also survived by his two sisters, Beth Russell and Marla Boltz, who shared lifelong bonds of love, laughter, and connection with their brother. Their presence in his life was a source of strength, support, and warmth.
While family was the most important thing in Mark’s life, many will remember him by his legacy that lives on in the fairness that he practiced, the hope he fostered, and the county he helped shape. Mark inspired others around him to be the best version of themselves. He believed deeply in justice and devoted himself to lifting up those in need. These qualities were evident to everyone whom he counseled and those that appeared in his court. Throughout his 16 years of serving the community as a judge, he presided over thousands of matters and was known for treating every person with courtesy, dignity, and respect. Mark served on numerous boards in Portage County, was a member of the Portage County Bar Association, and a member of the Ravenna Elks Lodge.
Although Mark might have appeared always serious and down to business, he enjoyed playing cards, excelled in “table talk”, having a good drink with great friends, hanging out with his family, traveling to large cities and to the beach, and telling bad jokes and reminiscing about good memories. Mark loved watching his children play sports. After he was lovingly overruled, he became the most enthusiastic dog lover.
Mark has been preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Linda (Liston) Fankhauser. In addition to his wife, children, and sisters, Mark is survived by his in-laws, Keith and Joyce Siegfried, his sister-in-law Beth Siegfried (Tim Nightengale), brother-in-law Jason (Beth) Russell, nephew Michael (Ellie) Boltz, and many other nieces and nephews.
Mark will be truly missed by so many, but his passion was to make his little corner of the world a better place, and he did just that. Mark was a firm believer in kidney donation. If it wasn't for the selfless organ donations from his father and cousin, Chris Fankhauser, Mark would never have been able to make such a positive impact in our lives.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Bob and Linda Fankhauser Memorial Fund, Attn: Mark Frisone, 705 Oakwood St. Suite 221, Ravenna, Ohio, 44266, or the National Kidney Foundation. Calling hours will be held this Friday, February 20th from 4:00 PM-8:00 PM at Shorts-Spicer-Crislip Funeral Home in Ravenna. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.
Please visit www.sscfuneralhomes.com to offer a condolence, share a memory or light a candle.
Vera Wendel
Vera Wendel, 87, passed away on Saturday, February 14, 2026. She was born in Prague, Czechoslovakia on March 17, 1938 and relocated to Sweden after WWII.
Caroline Lawler
Caroline Lawler, age 77, of Kent, OH, passed away on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, a month short of her 78th birthday. Caroline was born March 13, 1948 in Oakland, CA to the late R. Palmer and Karla (Stanek) Lawler Sr.
Joan Sue Reed
Joan Sue Reed, 85 of Brimfield, passed away Sunday February 15, 2026 at her home. She was born November 20, 1940 in Akron, Ohio to the late Arthur and Dovie (Bailey) McBroom.
Kathleen Towles
Kathleen Mary Towles passed away in the evening of Wednesday, February 11, 2026. She was born in Cleveland, OH, on July 24, 1942, to the late William Williams and Elizabeth (Rankin) Williams.
Staff Report