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Sherman Vander Ark Obituary
Dr. Sherman D. Vander Ark, 68, went to sing in God's heavenly choir on May 1, 2009, after a courageous battle against cancer, he died peacefully at home with his family by his side.
Sherm was born May 5, 1940 in Bozeman, Montana, son of the late Mark and Elizabeth Vander Ark. He graduated from Lynden Christian High School and from Calvin College. He earned his Ph.D. in Music Education from The Ohio State University. Sherm retired as a Professor of Music from the University of Akron after 33 years.
His greatest joy in life was his family, especially his grandchildren. He enjoyed sharing his love of model trains with them, listening to them play the piano, sing, dance, and read from the Bible. Sherman was in awe of God's creation and loved fishing, hunting, traveling, riding his motorcycle, watching birds, cooking, reading, and listening to music. As a faithful servant of our Heavenly Father, the legacy Sherm left his family was to know and love God.
Sherman is survived by his wife of nine years, Georgia; a son, Marc Alan Vander Ark of Akron; three daughters, Pamela (Aaron) Harvey of Athens, Ohio, Julie (Chris) Kirven of Akron, Jennifer (John) Hayward of Tallmadge, and two stepdaughters; his grandchildren, Ella Matweyou, Carson and Elizabeth "Libby" Vander Ark, Samantha, Ruth and Daniel Hayward, Jack Kirven and Colvin Harvey and four step grandchildren; his parents-in-law, George and Bess Morris and a brother-in-law, Robert Kilivris; his sisters, Beverly (Ken) Danhof and Fayth (Ken) Steensma; Ella's mother, Lisa Matweyou and Carson and Elizabeth's mother, Shelly Vander Ark; his first wife and the mother of his children, Helen Vander Ark.
The family expresses gratitude to everyone from far and wide who loved and cared for Sherm during his illness.
There will be no calling hours. Friends and family are invited to his burial service at Mount Peace Cemetery in Akron on Tuesday, May 5 at 1 p.m., arrangements are by Adams Mason Funeral Home, Akron. A memorial service will be held at a later date in Wooster. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Lynden Christian Schools, Lynden, Wash.; Hospice of Akron General Visiting Nurse Service; Stewart's Caring Place; American Red Cross, or other charities that help people through compassion and medical research.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Sherman Vander Ark
Brent A. Bowmn, Ph.D.
April 2, 2023
An outstanding music educator. He was the one teacher who pushed me to get my Ph.D. I am honored to have had him as my mentor at the University of Akron.
Brian and Laura Ebie
May 9, 2009
Georgia, Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with you and yours during your loss. I loved Sherm and am thankful for the time I spent with him at Akron. His influence on me was tremendous. His singular goodness and brilliance will be missed indeed.
Bunny Oldham
May 6, 2009
Julie- I am so sorry for your loss. My kids send up balloons with notes to heaven to my dad and it seems to be good therapy for us all. May he always be on your mind and forever in your hearts.
Sheila Ely-Sekerak
May 6, 2009
Julie and Family,
I was sad to hear of you loss. It has been years since graduating from Firestone, but please know my sincerest sympathies, thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
God bless and comfort you all.
Len Shwartz
May 4, 2009
Pam and Family,
You are in my thoughts and prayers. May God give you the strength to deal with your grief.
Chris Dreher
May 4, 2009
Georgia,
I am so sorry for your loss. My heart goes out to you and your family.
Lori Wharton
May 4, 2009
My thoughts and prayers are with you. You are such a caring, wonderful family and you will make it through this difficult time. Mr. VanderArk knew how much you cared for and loved him. Now he is at peace and smiling down at all of you.
May 4, 2009
Julie and family- I am so sorry to hear about your father. I will keep you all in my prayers. Ann Carroll-Mizer
Mr & Mrs Ron Endres
May 4, 2009
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you in this time of grief. Have comfort in knowing that Sherm is with God and at peace.
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