Kenneth S. Stumphauzer's Obituary
Kenneth Stephen Stumphauzer passed away peacefully in his sleep at the age of 77 on Sunday, July 17, 2022, after an ongoing battle with cancer. He was born on February 22, 1945, in Lorain, Ohio. He graduated from Ohio University with a degree in accounting before matriculating at Akron University’s law school.
Ken paused his pursuit of a law degree to volunteer for the US Air Force in the Vietnam War. In Vietnam, Ken served honorably for five years and distinguished himself as a navigator on a B-52 bomber. He was awarded fifteen air medals and most notably the Distinguished Flying Cross.
Ken returned to civilian life, graduating from Akron University with a Juris Doctorate. Ken’s professional career comprised both a prominent private practice as well as enduring public service in municipal law, including his work as law director in Lorain, Amherst and Vermilion for more than 20 years.
Ken stood a mere 5’8” tall but was universally known as Big Daddy. He was a second father to many and influential to all. Ken’s passions, work ethic, and sense of commitment were legendary. His outsized personality was outweighed only by his indelicate sense of humor. And his grandiose approach to life was rivaled only by his generosity.
Ken was a member of the American Bar Association, Ohio Bar Association, Lorain County Bar Association, Lorain County Chamber of Commerce, Beaver Creek Club, and the Amherst American Legion.
Some of Ken’s passions included racquetball, gardening, fishing, boating, frequent trips to Costco, his travel to 33 countries and his beloved Ohio State Buckeyes.
Ken is survived by a loving family including his wife of 54 years, Gail (née Celano); his children, Kelly Stumphauzer of Amherst, Ken (Lesley Slater) Stumphauzer of New York, NY, and Ryan (Celinet Maldonado) Stumphauzer of Miami, FL; his siblings Bill (Roni) Stumphauzer, Kathy (Tom) Solak, and Evelyn (Kim) Packard; and grandchildren Lily, Evan, Ashton, Slater, Nathan, Camila, and Scarlett.
He will join in heaven his beloved daughter, Margeau; his twin sons, Greg and Chad; his parents, William and Kathryn (née Horvath) Stumphauzer; and God, to whom he dedicated his life.
Visitation will be held Friday, July 22nd from 2:00 -7:00 p.m. in the Dovin and Reber Jones Funeral & Cremation Center, 1110 Cooper Foster Park Rd, Amherst, OH. Mass followed by military honors will be held on Saturday, July 23rd at 10:00 a.m. at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, 41295 N Ridge Rd, Elyria, OH.
Donations can be made in honor of Ken Stumphauzer to the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, Kansas 66675-8516
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