Kenny Dean Fankhauser, 75, a lifelong resident of Dundee, passed away on Tuesday, November 26, 2024, surrounded by his family at his daughter’s residence following a period of declining health.
Born in Dover on October 6, 1949, he was the son of the late Russell Dean and Marla Jean (Werstler) Fankhauser. He was a Garaway High School graduate, worked for Hardy Coal Company and spent the majority of his career as an independent truck driver.
As a boy, Kenny appreciated the experience of helping his grandfather’s working on their farms. He enjoyed watching Ohio State football, the Cleveland Browns and Indians, along with NASCAR racing, and operating heavy equipment.
Kenny is survived his daughter Deidre “Dee Dee” (Rich) Schweitzer of Dover; step-son’s Ryan Bailey of Strasburg and Scott Bailey of Cambridge; sister Marla (Thomas) Raber of California; brothers Jeffrey (Jayne Ann) Fankhauser, Gregory Fankhauser, and Bart Fankhauser all of Dundee; three grandchildren, Kaylee (Jamal) Johnson of Strasburg, and Sierra Schweitzer and Peyton Schweitzer both of Dover; one great grandson, Storm Johnson; and several nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by a son Kelly Fankhauser.
Services for Kenny will be held at 2:00 pm on Tuesday, December 3, 2024, at the Smith-Varns Funeral Home in Sugarcreek with Pastor Daniel Legg officating. Burial will follow in Dundee Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home from 12-2 pm prior to the service.
Contributions in Kenny’s memory may be made to the following organizations: Crossroads Hospice at crossroadshospice.com, or the National Alliance on Mental Illness at nami.org, or Lewy Body Dementia Association at www.lbda.org.
Smith-Varns Funeral Home
330-852-2141
www.smithfuneralhomesugarcreek.com
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