Charles F. Kurfess, former Ohio Speaker and judge, dies

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – Former Ohio Speaker of the House Charles F. Kurfess died Friday. He was 94 years old.

Kurfess, born in 1930, was first elected to the Ohio House of Representatives in 1956 and would represent parts of northwestern Ohio in the House until retiring in 1978. During his tenure, he served as Speaker from 1967 to 1972.

Following his retirement from the House, he served as a judge in the Wood County Court of Common Pleas.

Kurfess was named by Presidents Nixon and Ford to the Advisory Commission on Intergovernmental Relations.

In a statement, Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine called Kurfess “a true public servant who represented Northwest Ohio so very well.”

“Through the years when I visited Bowling Green, I would often see him, and I always enjoyed our conversations,” the governor said.

Current Ohio Speaker Jason Stephens said Kurfess worked for all Ohioans.

“His love for Ohio and desire to serve is an example for all of us,” Stephens said. “Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family.”

Kurfess graduated with a BA from Bowling Green State University before moving on to Ohio State University Law School, graduating with his Juris Doctorate in 1957.

Visitation hours are scheduled for 4 p.m. – 7 p.m. on March 8 at St. John’s Lutheran Church, 5520 Fremont Pike, in Stony Ridge. Funeral services will be held at the church on March 9 at 11 a.m.

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