Ephraim Heiniger Fankhauser

Ephraim H. Fankhauser, age 92, passed away peacefully on Sunday, October 13th in his home in Holladay Utah. Ephraim was born on July 1, 1932, to Rosa Heiniger and Paul E. Fankhauser in Salt Lake City, Utah. He is survived by his incredible wife of 66 years, Camille Robinson Fankhauser whom he affectionately called “Milly.” His brother Don (Jeralee) Fankhauser and his Children: Cari (Richard) Rodgers, Cristi (Dan) Matta, Richard (Suzanne) Fankhauser, Wendee (Chad) Layton, and Matthew (Sky) Fankhauser. Ephraim lives on through his posterity of 27 grandchildren and 32 great grandchildren with 3 on the way and 1 great-great grandson.

Ephraim was a faithful and dedicated member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Honorably serving in numerous church callings: Bishop, Bishop's 2nd Counselor, Stake High Council, Stake Sports Director, Elders Quorum Presidency, Seventies Quorum Presidency, High Priest Group Leader, Home Teacher/Supervisor, and several callings in the Young Men’s organization.

Ephraim had an amazing work ethic which started at the age of 8 when he shagged golf balls at Nibley Park Golf Course and sold them back to the golfers at $0.10 per ball. Growing up during the depression and the son of Swiss immigrants, post-WWII taught him the value of a buck. He worked as a Soda Jerk, Magazine Salesman, Newspaper Carrier, Golf Caddie, Janitor, Referee/Umpire, and Jeweler just to name a few.

In 1949 Ephraim graduated from South High School where he participated in Glee Club and Acapella Choir. You might also be surprised to learn (we sure were) that he played the violin, sang opera and in his mid-20’s was the star of a melodrama called, “The Drunkard.”

Ephraim served in the United States Army during the Korean War and received an honorable discharge in January of 1962. He had a deep love and appreciation for his country.

Ephraim had an incredible mind and was vigorous in his pursuit of education. He attended the University of Utah where he was a member of the Sigma Chi Fraternity. In 1957 he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting. In 1962 he graduated from the University of Utah Law School with several recognitions and awards. He served as Chief Deputy of the criminal division in the County Attorney's office before opening his own law practice for more than 30 years. He gave his all to every client. His briefcase was always next to his beach chair on family vacations to Oceanside, California. He was loved and appreciated by his clients, not so much by opposing counsel.

Ephraim was a dedicated father and a great example to his family. His whistle could be heard for miles and was a more effective call to come home than any text message. He loved sports, whether playing or spectating. He refereed and coached countless baseball, softball, & basketball games. He was present at ALL the dance recitals, musical performances, graduations, mission farewells & homecomings, weddings, baby blessing, baptisms etc. But the one thing he did for himself, his true passion, was GOLF. If you asked, “How was golf today?” He would recount each shot, hole by hole, the club used, the number of strokes, what did and did not go his way and if he was under or over par. His years as a member of Alpine Country Club brought him a lot of joy. On Sept 10, 2003, he beat the odds and made the ever-coveted Hole in One! (There is a trophy and everything!)

Ephraim is preceded in death by his parents, Rosa & Paul E. Fankhauser, his brother Edwin Fankhauser, his sisters Ruth Stewart, Rosann Long and Miriam Davis, and his son Steven Scott Fankhauser.

Our beloved and admired husband, father, pop paw, brother, friend and neighbor was silently very generous. He gave much of himself, his time, his home, and his resources to others. In honor of Ephraim please pay it forward.

Our family would like to express our gratitude to the medical professionals that cared for Ephraim. Thank you!

Viewings will be on Sunday, October 20th from 6:00pm – 8:00pm and Monday, October 21st from 9:30am – 10:30 am at the LDS Meeting House: 1750 E Spring Lane, Holladay UT 84117. Funeral services will be on Monday, October 21st at 11:00 am at the same location. Interment will be at Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park, 3401 S Highland Drive, Millcreek Utah 84106.

If you are unable to attend in person, services will be streamed on zoom by the Cottonwood 12th Ward

Join Zoom Meeting

https://zoom.us/j/95879188686?pwd=VMnRQgT2tCQScasPkVlDu50DYBiout.1

Meeting ID: 958 7918 8686

Passcode: 591049