Joseph Robert Kainrad Sr.

He was the youngest on nine children born to Christian and Katherine Kainrad. Like all farm boys he worked hard on the farm before and after school each day and summers. In 1951 he graduated as class president of the first graduating class of the newly consolidated Southeast High School.

In 1955 he graduated from Kent State University. While attending Kent State he paid his way by working at the Ravenna Arsenal or Vale Edge Dairy. He was active on campus and was named Chief Judge of the Student Court, Vice President of Theta chi fraternity and was elected the honorary title of Duke of Kent in 1955.

In the fall of 1955 he enrolled in the Ohio State University College of Law. While attending law school he worked part-time in the Ohio Legislature doing research and drafting legislation for the representatives. When the legislature was not in session he worked part-time at the Columbus law firm of Robins and Metcalf. In 1958 he graduated from law school and passed the Ohio Bar Examination. He returned to Portage County and joined the law practice with Attorney Seabury Ford and the law firm of Ford and Kainrad was established. Joe became an active and accomplished Trial Lawyer.

In 1962 he was elected State Representative and served three two-year terms. He did not run for a fourth term in 1968. In his first term he was selected as the Outstanding First Term Legislator. As a member of the Judiciary Committee, he sponsored many bills including legislation that created the 11th District Court of Appeals and the Portage County Municipal Court System. Along with State Senator Robert Stockdale he drafted and supported legislation that created and funded the West Branch State Park.

In 1964 Joe married Judith Kreinbihl and they had three children and four grandchildren, Christian, Joseph Jr. and Monica. He is survived by these three children and four grandchildren; Christian Jr., Noah, Joey and favorite granddaughter Morgan. He is also survived by his sisters: Caroline Bochert and Helen Dudek. He was preceded in death by his wife Judith in 1992.

In 1971 Joe was elected without opposition as the Judge of the Portage county Municipal Court.

In 1974 he was elected to a six year term as Judge of the Court of Common Pleas, replacing retiring Judge Albert Caris. He was re-elected for another 24 years without opposition. In 2005 he retired as the longest serving Judge in the history of Portage County. He served part-time as a retired Judge for seven more years in Northeastern Ohio.

Judge Kainrad was highly respected by the legal profession and the general public. His trademarks were common sense, fairness and a keen sense of humor.

Special thanks are due to Dr. Yanelli and Dr. Marquinez and the Staff and all the employees at Robinson Memorial Hospital.

Cremation has taken place and the request of the deceased there will be no calling hours. A family memorial will be held at a future date. Condolences and memories may be shared at www.wood-kortright-borkoski.com.