BUCYRUS — Residents, attorneys and judges are in mourning as news spread across Crawford County of the death of beloved juvenile court Judge Steven Eckstein, who lost his battle with cancer Monday evening.

Crawford County Commissioners Mo Ressallat, Tim Ley and Doug Weisenauer, released a statement Tuesday regarding the loss of Eckstein:

It is with heavy hearts that the commissioners announce that Crawford County has lost a prominent member of our staff.

Juvenile Court Judge Steven D. Eckstein passed away on Monday, March 30, 2020, after a brief battle with cancer. Judge Eckstein last worked on Feb. 21 and will be greatly missed by the many people he touched through his service as Judge since 1985.

Judge Eckstein will be remembered for the deep care he gave to the children who needed his help throughout his career.

The commissioners honored Eckstein in December with a proclamation for being recognized by the Ohio District 5 Area Agency on Aging, Inc. as The Outstanding Elected Official. The award recognizes the outstanding service and leadership to protect the most vulnerable population.

Eckstein grew up in the Crestline area, graduating in 1964 from Colonel Crawford High School. He enrolled at Ohio State University, transferred to Urbana College and then Ohio Northern University in Ada where he received a degree in history and political science.

Rhonda Neal, Court Administrator of Crawford County Juvenile and Probate Court, worked closely with Eckstein for nearly three decades and released the following information on Tuesday:

Steven D. Eckstein attended Ohio Northern University in Ada, Ohio where he received a degree in history and political science. While at Ohio Northern he met and participated in study sessions with our current Governor Mike DeWine. Governor DeWine recently reached out to the Judge when he learned of his health. He graduated with a juris doctor degree in 1972 and passed the bar exam in November and began to practice with Attorney Rolland Laughbaum in Galion.

In May 1979 Judge Nelfred Kimerline asked him to be the Domestic Relations Referee for the General Division Court here in Crawford County. And 1981 Judge Bender of the Municipal Court asked him to also be the Traffic and Small Claims Referee for the court. In 1984, in a three-way race in the primary and general elections, he was chosen in the general election and took office in February of 1985 and has remained Judge of the Probate and Juvenile Divisions through several elections. He was in his last year of his 6-year term and due to his age was prohibited by statute to run for election for the position.

Judge Eckstein was married to Trudy Lynn Dill who passed in June of 2016. They adopted twin daughters years prior: Anastasia Lynn Eckstein and Andrea Nicole Schlote, who were caring for him during his illness.

“He was a true public servant, strong in his faith, never concerned for his own preservation, and continued to see his position as a Judge as the way to best serve his community,” said Neal. “ After working for him 28 years, I can attest we are all better for knowing him, working for him and having him preside over the matters of the Court.”

Lisa Miller, who has worked for Eckstein at Crawford County Probate Court for several years, said the judge will be missed by many.

“Judge Eckstein was just the perfect combination of a sharp mind, servant heart and integrity to the nth degree. And he had a good sense of humor. He worked hard not only for the families that came before him, but also for the taxpayers,” Miller said. “His entire staff thought the world of him and we will miss him.”

Crawford County Common Pleas Judge Sean Leuthold echoed Miller’s sentiments.

“Steve Eckstein was a great judge with a tremendous legal mind. He will be deeply missed by everyone in the legal community,” Leuthold said.

Bucyrus-based attorney Adam Stone quoted Tennyson in a tribute to Eckstein:

For my friend, “Ulysses” by Tennyson

Tho’ much is taken, much abides; and tho’
We are not now that strength which in old days
Moved earth and heaven, that which we are, we are;
One equal temper of heroic hearts,
Made weak by time and fate, but strong in will
To strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield.

Attorney Tani Eyer recently joined Stone’s firm.

“When I was a new attorney, I occasionally went to him with a question about guardianships or probate,” Eyer said. “What I thought would be a quick question and answer session usually turned into a lengthy conversation about a variety of topics. He taught me a lot and I will miss him and his wisdom.”

Bucyrus attorney Pat Murphy said Eckstein was a good man who ran a tight ship.

“He was fair,” Murphy said. “I could only aspire to conduct court as he did. He was my friend. I will miss him.”

Local attorney Michael Bear will also miss the judge he has known his whole life.

“Judge Eckstein will be missed. He has been a pillar of the Crawford County legal community for my entire life,” Bear said. “His passing marks the end of an era.”