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Russell Sherhag Obituary
Funeral Service FRIDAY 10 a.m., at the Swigart-Easterling Funeral Home, 624 E. Cherry St. (Rt. 93, Canal Fulton) with Pastor Doug Dill officiating. Burial Canal Fulton Cemetery. Friends may call THURSDAY (TODAY) 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. and FRIDAY one hour prior to services at the funeral home.
Swigart-Easterling, 330-854-2356
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Russell Sherhag
Danielle Snyder
November 25, 2019
He is greatly missed! He was one of the best teachers!
Rchard Hilliard
January 1, 2011
As so many have eloquently stated Russell Sherhag had many talents. Many thanks to him for his ability to make his students and every other person he touched have belief in their own ability to accomplish amazing feats. Without his belief in me during my high school years I would never have accomplished what I have accomplished. He knew and understood how to reach me and to bring out the best in each person.
As I have become older I have realized how much of an influence and difference enhancing my life with me personally and professionally. I am forever grateful for his efforts and his ability to impact me and people in a positive way producing excellent results with no expectation of something in return.
Thank you Mr. Sherhag
December 6, 2010
Sarge was a teacher of mine and my four siblings at Northwest, He was a great teacher and a wonderful man !!! So obvious by his presence that he was Spirit engaging in a human experience...We Love You !
T Barnett NW 83
Chrissy Wagner
December 6, 2010
Sarge, The Lord truly took an Angel when He took you from this Earth. I know that you are up on Heaven with the rest of my loved ones, making everyone laugh and joke around and have a wonderful day. It was a pleasure getting to know you, through school. I never even had the opportunity to be in any of your classes, but I still managed to talk to you all the time and get to know you pretty well and that says a lot! You're a rare and special man, you always put a smile on my face and everyone else's, and you will be so greatly missed everyday. My prayers are with you and your family, I am so sorry for your family to have lost you when you had so much more time to spend with them. God Bless your family and take care of all the other Angels in Heaven.
Mike and Gail (Shanabrook) Phelps
December 4, 2010
Susan,
My sister Janet sent me an email telling me Sarge had passed away. Mike and I are so sorry to learn this. Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers. Our families share a long and wonderful friendship.
Susan Sherhag
December 4, 2010
WOW! How do I say goodbye to a brother who left too soon? He was my friend, mentor, cheerleader and comfort in tough times. What a void has been left in my life as well as the lives of many others. Your faith was a constant in everything you did, thought or said, a true Christian example to all who knew you. As Nancy Utterback said to me, "Sarge was Life Power in action, he walked the walk."
I will miss the hugs, the daily eamils and the knowing that you always "had my back". I love you big brother and will miss you every second of every day; right now my heart is breaking but I know that you are safe and in the arms of God and you are at peace. Know that all of us will take care of Pam, Brent and Scott. Again, I love you. Susan
December 4, 2010
It has been said that the true measure of a person's life is not the number of years he lives, but the number of lives he touches. "Sarge" certainly touched thousands of lives over the years in such a positive way. Not only did he touch thousands of students, but he also touched approximately 1500 educators with the graduate courses "People Skills in Coaching Athletes" and "Developing Self-Reliant People" that he taught. One couldn't help be in his presence for very long without becoming a better person ! We will miss him greatly, but we know that heaven has gained a wonderful new resident.
We love ya Sarge!
Nancy & Kurt Utterback Massillon OH
Thomas Haren
December 3, 2010
I was sad to hear of the loss of "Mr. Sherhag" who so loved life and inspired everyone that he met. He was my 7th grade basketball coach back in 1968 at Edison Jr High. He always exuded sheer pleasure in coaching and teaching. He was excellent with the players and had a great coaching style making us all seem like family. I can fondly recall that every practice he would coach with a sucker in his mouth. I also had the unique pleasure of working with his father in 1974 at Republic Steel in Massillon. His father wass so proud of his son and I can see where "Mr. Sherhag" got his passion for life. I am truly a better person for having known both of them. My deepest sympathy.
Alyce Healey-Boser
December 3, 2010
So many fun memories. What a terrific man. I hope the family may always be comforted by knowing how special you were.
December 2, 2010
SO MANY ON HERE REMEMBERING YOU SARGE AS OUR TEACHER, COACH,FRIEND. BUT ABOVE ALL YOU TAUGHT A LASTING LESSON ABOUT LIFE.HONOR, INTEGRITY, DEDICATION,AND JUST BEING TRUE TO YOURSELF. A TRUE TEACHER UNTILL THE END. YOU ARE A RARE BREED , MAY YOUR REWARDS BE GREAT! AND VERY WELL DESERVED ! RIP
Christine (McGrath) Frustaci
December 2, 2010
I was greatly saddened to hear of Sarge's passing. He was one of my favorite teachers while I was at Northwest. He always knew what to say to motivate you to do your best work. Plus he made learning fun! Prayers to his family
December 2, 2010
I met Russel last summer, when he stayed in the house of my uncle Wolfgang. We had a beautyful day together and I was looking forward to se Russel again next summer. I feel so sorry and send good thoughts to Pamela and all the rest of the family, although we haven´t met.Peace be with all of you.
Marina Scherhag, Cologne, Germany
Eva Ames-Poole
December 2, 2010
What a great guest book to read;) So many wonderful comments, it makes me wish I could've met him. We will meet one day I'm sure of it. To the young woman Danielle, I don't think there is a greater tribute to a person than letting them know they were insturmental in leading them to our Lord, I hope you were able to tell Sarge.. My heart goes out to all who knew and loved him.
Stacy Neuhauser Johnson
December 2, 2010
Gentle Giant he was. I just thought he was the BEST teacher. His time was cut way too short. Prayers go to the family in this time.
Greg & Beth Moore
December 2, 2010
Susan, Melissa, Jeff, Chris, & Family - so sorry to hear about the loss of your loved one. You're in our thoughts and prayers.
Greg, Beth, Josh, and Blake Erin Moore
December 2, 2010
When I coached softball at Manchester, you and I had great fun as we were friendly rivals. You were my favorite opponent! I loved it when I came to Northwest and you were still here. You made me feel welcome. You were a dear man that will be greatly missed.
Cheryl Nash
December 2, 2010
Sarge-Well done good and faithful servant.You have fought the good fight and now you are in glory with your Lord.
Class of '63-Larry Stockert, Dayton,Ohio
Laura Lybarger-Amison
December 2, 2010
I have great memories playing softball for Sarge at NW. A great sense of humor and sweetness all rolled into one great teacher and coach.
December 2, 2010
Jim and I were honored to know Sarge. Jim coached with him for one year and I taught with him for ten years. He was always a gentleman, had a ready smile, humor, and a man who was a Christian. I know he is at peace and I wish comfort to his family.
Thanks Sarge for the joy of knowing you and coaching our kids.
Deepest Sympathy, Jim and Peg Wagner
December 2, 2010
We'll miss you Russ!
Lisa Wilsbacher
December 2, 2010
As a fellow cast member at Disney, Russ was beyond magical. He could smile through the most trying days and never said an unkind word about anyone. A shift didn't go by when a former student or parent didn't come by and visit with him. Russ knew everyone and to know him was to love him. He will be greatly missed. Many prayers to the Sherhag family.
Kelly Starr
December 2, 2010
Sarge was one of the best teachers I had the opportunity to learn from. He was a Northwest icon. He will be missed.
Leesa Graybill
December 2, 2010
Mr. Sherhag was a beloved teacher and friend at NHS. We all shared so many laughs and memories in his classes. He will be greatly missed. Our condolences to the Sherhag family. You are in our thougts and prayers.
Virginia Beaver
December 2, 2010
My prayers are with you and your family, Sarge always had somethimg funny to say. He will truely be missed.Sorry for your loss. God bless your family.
joseph gross
December 2, 2010
we lost one of the best.he will be missed keeping the family in my thoughts and prayers rip sarge.
dave Shelton
December 2, 2010
to the only football coach that I ever seen smile, because he felt like it.
Shannon Stacy
December 1, 2010
My thoughts and prayers are with your family at this time. Sarge always knew the right thing to say when a teacher was feeling "down". He knew how to bring out the best in us. Northwest High School and co-workers loved him. He will be missed.
Jeff Stoll
December 1, 2010
Sarge was one of the most memorable teachers I encountered through 12 years in the Northwest school system. I feel fortunate to have had the opportunity to be educated by him. My thoughts and prayers to the Sherhag family.
Sherri Barr
December 1, 2010
Pam,
I am so sorry for your loss. Please know that I am thinking and praying for you and your family. Russ was such a great person and so gentle and caring.
Sherri Barr
Kristy Turley
December 1, 2010
Sarge was more than just a teacher...he was our friend. He will be greatly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.
Amanda Burton (Simon)
December 1, 2010
When Mr. Sherhag retired from NWHS, I was sad that my niece and nephew would never have the benefit of knowing such a great man and teacher. My sister and I both had the pleasure of having him as a teacher, and my mom went to school with him. My deepest sympathies go out to the family for the loss of a truly wonderful man.
Amanda (Simon)Burton
Class of '93
Christopher Kling
December 1, 2010
I played for Coach Sherhag at Timken in the mid eighties. I will always remember his perfect mix of humor and firmness and his ability to to chew you out with you feeling like you were getting reamed. I will never forget him or the example he set for all of his players.
December 1, 2010
Please know we are here for you. As we have been for Sarge. He went through an extremely rough journey and is at rest now in the arms of Our Heavenly Father. He not only was an example of how to live, but how to fight to live with dignity.
We will hold onto the loving memories and laughter we shared with Russell forever. As long as we remember, he will stay alive in our hearts. We will truly miss him.
All our love and prayers are with you all.
Robert & Cindy
December 1, 2010
Sarge had the driest sense of humor. He could throw you a zinger and you sometimes wouldn't even realize it right away! He was a great teacher and was fair to everyone. My boys had him many years later and found him to be the same, down-to-earth person as I remembered. His spirit and legacy will always be remembered fondly. My thoughts are with you at this difficult time.
Debbie Shields McMillin (NW '75)
Bret Stephan
December 1, 2010
Sarge, I will never forget how you helped me overcome my fears of speaking in front of the class while in speech class. You were very patient and understanding. You were loved by many and will be missed by so many more.
Flo Fahrney-Abbott
December 1, 2010
Deepest sympathy to the Sherhag family. Sarge has left behind the most honorable legacy a man can leave, so many that loved and valued him as a person in so many capacities. Kindest regards.
tammie benjamin (epperly)
December 1, 2010
I was so sorry to hear of Sarge's passing....a great teacher and even better person is now in heaven...RIP Sarge Tammie Benjamin (Epperly)
Debbie (Smith) Slocum (78)
December 1, 2010
Sarge was one of my favorite teachers at NW. He had a way of touching everyone who had the good fortune to know him. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family. May you find peace in all of the memories you hold close to your heart.
danielle pandrea
December 1, 2010
Mr.sherhag was a awesome teacher. I enjoyed every class with him. He will be greatly missed but never forgoten. The family has our sympathy and in our prayers.god bless all of u.
Danielle Holland
December 1, 2010
Pam I am so sorry to hear of this loss!
Sarge was a AWESOME man who HELPED ME FIND THE LORD!!! he was my partner when I worked at the team shop back in 03-04 his smile lite up a room!!! all the stories he would tell us kids were something else!
he is Dancing with the Angels now! if you need anything please email
Michael/Vanessa Vaught
December 1, 2010
Sarge was my position coach during the 75 football season and I believe everyone learned lessons not only about football, but life. In the later years he was my daughters teachers and they both absolutely loved him! RIP Sarge, you were the best.
Laura Iddings
December 1, 2010
I am so sorry to hear about the passing of Mr.Sherhag. I have so many fond memories of speech and drama classes! He will be missed but his spirit and leagacy will go foward...RIP SARGE.
My condolences to the Sherhag Family...
Laura(Ruthrauff)Iddings
Class of'79
Mary Hites
December 1, 2010
Pam, So sorry to hear about Sarge. Nothing but good things about him was ever mentioned. Take comfort in God. Heaven has a new amazing angel. My prayers and thoughts are with the entire family.
Margaret Peresta Mi
December 1, 2010
Russ,
You have left lasting impressions on all of your NWHS classmates. A bit of us died with you. You are with the angel--that's for sure.
Marge Peresta Mi, Virginia
Class of 1963
Gail Modzelewski
December 1, 2010
Scott,
My deepest condolences to you and your family. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Kathy Hurd
December 1, 2010
I was deeply grieved to hear Monday night that Mr Sherhag had passed away. When I started attending CFCF-I was blown away when I saw him and he remembered who I was even after some 14+ years. He was an amazing teacher with such a kind spirit. If you tried to pull a "fast one" over him, he was the kind of teacher that left you walking away feeling like you weren't getting away with ANYTHING and that HE KNEW the TRUTH! A GOOD MAN plain and simple. He will surely be missed by all who have been blessed to know him. My heart and thoughts go out to his dear family and close friends; praying God's comfort and peace in the days ahead. Heaven has gained a wonderful angel of a man!
December 1, 2010
Mr. Sherhag was a wonderful Teacher, Coach, and Christian. His gentle spirit was loved by all. We will truly miss his presence at CFCF along with his smiles and high-fives. Thank you Sarge for your positive impact on all of us.
Chris('96) and Holley('92-Proehl) Langenfeld
BEA RENFAND
December 1, 2010
Dear Pam, Brent and Scott:
Russ was a great friend and a super christian. He will be missed. He had a positive outlook on life, and a wonderful sense of humor. He was a
good hugger, and a caring person with a great love of people. The tears we
shed are selfish, as we will miss Sarge greatly; however, we are happy to know he is now in Paradise with The Lord. God Bless your family.
Walt and Bea Renfand (CFCF)
david witte
December 1, 2010
dude sorry about your dad he was a good person and a great treacher
Jim Smith
December 1, 2010
My deepest condolences to the Sherhag family. Mr. Sherhag wasn't just a great teacher and a coach ... he was one of US. The entire student body had a great deal of respect and admiration for him, as evidenced in the many other posts in this memorial. He will be missed and remembered in high esteem.
Rest in peace, Coach.
Janet (Parker)Wasmire
December 1, 2010
Dear Pam, Brent and Scott,
Sarge would have been missed greatly by Greg, as a former NW student and lifelong friend.
Jonathan and Holly will be the third generation to miss him as well.
CFCF community, past and present, will feel the loss af a good, Christian brother.
I am so sorry for Sarge's passing on to eternal life.
December 1, 2010
Russ faced life with a quiet, calm demeanor that put everyone at ease. He faced his illness with that same attitude. I do not believe I ever heard him say an unkind word about anyone. He was very proud of his sons and loved his wife dearly. He was a man who taught more than subjects; he taught about how we should live. I will miss the gentle giant of a man. My sympathies to Brent, Scott, and Pam. Joe Weigand
Nancy Cottle
December 1, 2010
Many, many fond memories of "Sarge" as our teacher at NHS - lots of laughs, smiles and fun combined with learning. Sympathies to the Sherhag family and may you always hold him close in your heart.
Valerie Shuman
December 1, 2010
Dear Pam, Brent, and Scott,
My heart goes out to you. Sarge was such a wonderful person, a true Christian. His outlook throughout his whole life, especially these past few years, was always positive and inspiring. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. May God grant Sarge eternal rest and may He grant you peace, hope, and comfort. Love to you all, Valerie
December 1, 2010
I was terribly sad to hear about Sarge's passing. He was the BEST teacher at the school and always had a way of making me laugh, He was truly a gifted man and touched the hearts and minds of many people throughout his life. What a kind and gentle soul. My heart goes out to his family and friends and wish them peace and wonderful memories as time moves on. I will miss Mr. Sherhag.
Karen Joyce
Dade City, FL
Catherine Hechmer
December 1, 2010
I was a student of Mr. Sherhag and what I remember most is his sense of humor and his easygoing attitude. It was clear he enjoyed teaching and his students. My thoughts are with his loved ones. Catherine Hechmer (Class of '89)
Renee (Cox) Rukavina
December 1, 2010
All who new Mr. Sherhag knows what a wonderful man he was!!! My thoughts and prayers go out to his family, he will be missed and never forgotten. Class of 88 NW High. My favorite teacher.
December 1, 2010
My dear friend my hart is heavy and hurting. My love to your family. It was wonderful sharing a couple of days with you in April at C of O. Be at peace. Jim King
December 1, 2010
My dear friend my hart is heavy and hurting. My love to your family. It was wonderful sharing a couple of days with you in April at C of O. Be at peace. Jim King
Michael Nasvadi
December 1, 2010
Sarge was one of my favorite teachers at NW. He was a true role model for the students. My sympathy goes out to his family. Michael Nasvadi (93)
Mary Swan
December 1, 2010
Pam, I am so sorry I can't be there for you, my friend, but I am there with you in spirit. What a patient and kind man Sarge was. He had to be when he put up with our endless coffee talks at my house,our spur of the moment road trips, and not to mention working the fairs! LOL, poor guy never saw you much, but he never complained, he knew we were having a ball!
I don't think Sarge ever knew a stranger! We would all be together at Canal Days or Massillon Cruise In and it would take us hours to walk the entire venue, everyone stopped to talk to him. He was a Canal Fulton Icon!!
Brent and Scott I am so sorry for your loss, Your Dad was so proud of you!
God sure picked a great guy!
I will miss you.
Jacki (Schilling) Hobbs
December 1, 2010
One of the most dynamic and gifted teachers to ever grace the halls of learning....even years after I graduated, he always remembered me and the fact I talked my way through his class. He lived with great humor and style and will always be remembered for teaching not only the educational requirements but the lifeskills that have done his students well. RIP in peace special teacher! Prayers to his family and friends. You were blessed to have had such a wonderful person in your lives. MAY God grant you peace and bless you with the memories that you made while Sarge was with you.
TERRY WINKHART
December 1, 2010
COUSIN RUSSEL, YOUR GOING TO BE MISSED BY ALL THE WINKHARTS IN NAVARRE. MAY GOD BE WITH YOU NOW THAT YOUR PAIN IS GONE.
LOVE YOU
TERRY WINKHART
Scott Mizeres
December 1, 2010
We miss you so much, Sarge....
Thanks for everything you've done for me, basically my whole life. Most of all for being my dad too.
Love you, Dude........
Sarah Dahlstein
December 1, 2010
I will always remember Sarge as my high school newspaper teacher. He always had a kind word and a smile any time anyone needed it. He will be missed tremendously.
December 1, 2010
What a great guy! Sarge was loved by everyone who came into contact with him. He will be missed by all of us. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the entire Sherhag family. Rest assured that the wonderful life and the true positive attitude displayed by Sarge throughout his entire ordeal with the cancer will live on in our memories of him forever. "10-4" good buddy!
Love,
Susie and Steve "Deacon" Jones
December 1, 2010
I have fond memories of Sarge as a teacher at NW High.My sympathy to his family.
Rachel(Fox) Hirschfelt -
class of 78
Kathy Molkentine
December 1, 2010
I only had the honor of meeting Sarge once, however I have known Brent for a long time. Anyone listening to Brent talk about his father could feel the love and admiration, it was obvious to me that Sarge was a great man and father. My thoughts, sympathies and prayers are with the entire family for your loss.
December 1, 2010
I will miss you, bubby, but you are now "home" with Mom and Dad. Rest in peace and will see you in heaven one day. Love, Melissa (II)
Mark Musleve
December 1, 2010
Gonna miss ya Coach,and all your great stories about the old Northwest days.
Jeanne Blankenship
December 1, 2010
All of his cast mates from 390 mourn the loss of our big ole papa bear (Baloo, the Jungle Book), the best Donald impersonator and a great plush trainer. He was Mr. Saturday afternoon who always had his own brand of Disney magic. We all loved him and will miss him too much to express in words. Jeanne Blankenship
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