Dr. Lon H. Sherer

Lon H. Sherer, 85, of Goshen died Saturday, June 9 at his home.

He was born Nov. 4, 1932 in Detroit, Michigan to Clarence and Phyllis (Moomaw) Sherer.

Lon is survived by his three children, Mark (Rhonda) Sherer of Brownsburg, Karen (Duane) Sherer Stoltzfus, and Michael (Patsy) Sherer, both of Goshen; and four grandchildren, Monica Sherer of Los Angeles, California, Kate Stoltzfus of Washington, DC and Melinda Sherer and Emily Stoltzfus both of Goshen.

Lon was preceded in death by his wife, Kathryn (Summers) in 2012, his grandson Nicholas Stoltzfus in 1992, and his half-brother Norbert Sherer in 1999.

He studied music at Michigan State with violinist Dr. Romeo Tata where he received a BA in Music. Later, he earned Master’s and Doctoral degrees in Music from the University of Michigan.

He married Kathryn Summers in 1954 and together they took a 3-year alternative service assignment at Woodstock School, Mussoorie U.P., India starting in 1956, where Lon taught violin and directed the school’s orchestras.

He joined the Goshen College Music Department in 1959 as a violin teacher and Music professor.  There, he developed the college’s orchestra and directed it throughout his 39 years at the college, along with his private violin teaching. His broad interests, professional depth and insightful teaching inspired his many students across six decades of teaching.

Beyond their musical careers, Lon and Kathryn were beloved parents and grandparents to their family and active, generous members of their community.

Lon was a member of College Mennonite Church in Goshen. Visitation is scheduled for Sunday, June 17, 2018 from 2 to 5 p.m. in the Gathering Room at the church. A memorial service will be conducted Monday, June 18 at 11:00 a.m. in the church sanctuary.

The family suggest that memorial contributions be made to the Lon and Kathryn Sherer Preparatory Music Endowment Fund at Goshen College or to Mennonite Central Committee (a relief, service and peace agency).

Cremation will take place prior to the service at Yoder-Culp Crematory, Goshen.