Vernon "John" Guenther

 Vernon "John" Guenther

Frankenmuth, MI

Vernon C. (John) Guenther was granted eternal life on June 27th, 2019 at the age of 91. He was born on June 2, 1928 to the late Rev. E. F. Guenther and Ella (nee Fajen). John graduated from Concordia Lutheran High School in Seward, NE. While at Concordia College, he was named All- Conference Center for three years in a row. Upon graduation in 1950, he accepted his first divine call to serve St. Lorenz Lutheran Church and School as Teacher, Organist and Choir Director. John was united in marriage to Lee Loesel on November 18, 1951 at St. Lorenz Lutheran Church.

God blessed this happy marriage with the birth of one daughter and three sons, Anne C. Guenther of Wheaton, IL, John V. Guenther of Las Cruces, NM, Michael (Jill) Guenther of Indianapolis, and Dan (Caroline) Guenther of Naperville, IL. He is also survived by six grandchildren, John (Fei), Carl, Patrick, Erin, Nate, and Ellie Guenther, and a great grandchild, John Guenther. In addition, he is survived by one brother, Roy (Eileen) Guenther of Vienna, VA, and sister and brother-in-law Mille and Ruben Auernhamer and many wonderful nieces and nephews.

John was preceded in death by sister and brother-in-law Jeanette and Warren Tripp of Golden, CO, and sisters-in-law Arlene Buchinger and Ellie MacKenzie.

From 1954-1958, he served as Principal, Teacher, Organist and Choir Director at Trinity Lutheran Church and School in Crown Point, IN. In 1958, he accepted a call to Christ Lutheran Church and Luther Memorial School in Cleveland, OH, to serve as Teacher, Organist, and Choir Director. There he was blessed with a wonderful Choir, consisting of all Germans who came from Germany after world War II. While in Cleveland, he was a member of the Cleveland Lutheran Musicians’ Guild and Chorus. One of his greatest thrills was directing a 500 voice Children’s Choir. His final 36 years were spent in New Haven, IN, at Emanuel Lutheran Church and Central Lutheran School. After 44 years in the Teaching Ministry, John was always active in the District Ministry.  He served on the Indiana District Scholarship committee and the Indiana Mission Board. John was always in demand to run for office in both the Lutheran Pastors and Lutheran Teachers Conferences, both in the Indiana and Central District.

In 1953-1957, John attended Graduate School at the University Michigan and earned his Master of Music History degree. From 1969-1972, he attended St. Francis College in Ft. Wayne and earned his Master’s in Education. Twice, he was nominated for membership in “Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers”. He was also elected as a Third District City Councilman for the City of New Haven, was a member of the New Haven Kiwanis Club, and for over 30 years worked for the New Haven Park Board as Parks Co-ordinator. One of John’s lifetime thrills was traveling to 23 countries with Lee.

John spent much time developing interest in History. He was a “Charter Member of the Civil War Book Club”. He also cultivated his love for music and collected 100’s of Passions and had great love for the musical genius J.S. Bach.

Funeral services will take place on Wednesday July 3, 2019 at 10:15 a.m. at Cederberg Funeral Home of Frankenmuth, 590 N. Franklin St. and 11:00 a.m. at St. Lorenz Lutheran Church.  Rev. Shawn Fenske will officiate with burial between services in St. Lorenz Lutheran Cemetery.  John’s family will receive visitors at the funeral home on Tuesday from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and on Wednesday from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the prayer service. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to St. Lorenz Lutheran School, St. Lorenz Music Department or a charity of donor’s choice.