Mark E. Bokenkamp, 64, of Loudonville, died Friday afternoon, May 6, 2016 in Ohio Health Mansfield Hospital, after a fall at his home on Tuesday from the effects of PSP which was diagnosed in January.
Mark was born April 20, 1952 in Mattoon, Illinois, and was a 1970 graduate of Champaign Centennial High School. He attended Eastern Illinois University until he became the first blacksmith of the Ohio Village at the Ohio Historical Society.
He moved from Powell in 1995 when he discovered southern Ashland County where he loved to fish, hunt, canoe, camp, and work in his craft as a blacksmith artist. Mark originally started his business, Bokenkamp Forge, at his grandmother’s home in Illinois. He designed and crafted many artistic and architectural iron works for use in homes and businesses.
Mark was a member of Zion Lutheran Church and the Artist Blacksmith Association of North America. For many years, Mark enjoyed hosting an Eastern Egg and Beer Hunt at his home for friends and family. He proudly proclaimed that he was also a member of the North American Beer Hunter Association.
Mark enjoyed woodworking and reading but was most excited about playing Scrabble.
Mark is survived by his wife, Janet L. Marsano Bokenkamp, whom he married June 20, 1992; two daughters: Annalise Bokenkamp, of Glasgow, Scotland and Katherine Bokenkamp, of Champaign, Illinois; his parents: Robert and Alice (Birner) Bokenkamp, of Champaign, Illinois; two brothers: Stephen (Lisa) Bokenkamp, of Arizona, and Tim (Jo Ann) Bokenkamp, of Alabama; a sister, Jodie (David) Thies, of Champaign, Illinois; his mother-in-law, Dorothy Marsano, of Crestline; three brothers-in-law: Paul (Patty) Marsano, of Bucyrus, Joe (Marie) Marsano, of Lucas, and Dominic (Maribea) Marsano, of Marion; and two sisters-in-law: Linda Marsano, of Crestline, and Dorothy (Michael) Schwertfager, of Ostrander.
He was preceded in death by his father-in-law, Joseph Marsano.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held Wednesday, May 11, 2016 at 11 a.m. in Zion Lutheran Church, Loudonville, with Rev. Scott Henderson officiating. Friends may call Tuesday from 6 to 8 p.m. in Lindsey Funeral Home, Loudonville.
Memorial contributions may be given to Cure PSP, 30 East Padonia Road, Suite 201, Timonium, Maryland, 21093. Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.Byerly-Lindsey.com.
