Charles W. Fankhauser

Charles’ childhood was spent in Haviland and Greensburg. He played the cornet in band and in a brass quartet. He would play TAPS at the Memorial Day functions. At Fort Hays State College, he earned a Botany degree. He served during the Korean Conflict in a military hospital in Southern Germany, giving medical treatments.

In 1959, he married Lou Ann Marquardt (Haviland music teacher). After schooling in Evanston and Chicago, they returned to Kansas; teaching in Trego and Scott Counties. During the summers, Charles and Lou Ann, both earned their Masters Degrees from the University of Northern Colorado in Greeley. In 1970, their family moved to Overland Park, Kansas for work with the Kansas State Job Service. He worked with different leadership programs in the area, often with people who had degrees from other countries, whom now needed to learn new or enhance current job skills and programs with educational opportunities. He received many cards of gratitude for the service he provided.

Eric and Debra remember how inquisitive he was with nature, the world and encouraging their interests. Summers included camping trips to the National Parks, which were memorable and great places for learning and fun.

Charles was generous to people, reaching out to others. His activities in church were known by many; congregational care, adult studies, music and others. He also liked to memorize scripture.

Avocational participation, for 35 years, he played bass and tenor recorders at the Renaissance Festival and for other groups. Family genealogy of his Swiss German heritage in travels there included how each family was linked in since the 1200s. In his travels there, he played the alpen horn, which surprised many.

He was fondly known for reciting The 7 Gifts of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22-23), which would be a cure for the worlds ills. He will be greatly missed by family and friends.

He is survived by his wife, Lou Ann; son, Eric and his wife, Mary Burkin, and their daughter, Marijane; daughter, Debra Workman and her husband, Brian, and their daughter, Emma; two brothers, Carl and his wife, Sheryl, and Don; and many nieces and nephews.

A Graveside service will be held at 2pm, Thursday, May 27 in Haviland Cemetery, Haviland, Kansas.

Memorial contributions may be made to Church of the Resurrection - Overland Park Campus, 8412 W. 95th Street, Overland Park, Kansas in Charles’ memory for Adult Studies.