by Rich Stratton, Assistant Director of Public Relations
Lorne Scharnberg, a devoted supporter and longtime trustee of , died Sunday, Sept. 7, at age 82 after more than two decades of shaping the institution through his generosity and servant leadership.
Scharnberg鈥檚 relationship with Cedarville spanned decades and was marked by unwavering commitment and strategic leadership. First appointed to the university鈥檚 board of trustees in 1994, he served for 25 years, including several as chair, before being named trustee emeritus in 2018. In 2019, Scharnberg was recognized with the Cedarville University Medal of Honor for his faithful service to the university 鈥 one of only 14 individuals to receive this award in the institution鈥檚 nearly 140-year history.
Behind the scenes, Scharnberg played a key role in helping guide Cedarville through seasons of growth, academic expansion and campus development. From overseeing new programs to supporting capital campaigns, his influence touched nearly every aspect of university life.
鈥淗e was a mentor and a father figure,鈥 said Cedarville President Dr. Thomas White. 鈥淚 spent a lot of time with Lorne Scharnberg, and I learned many great leadership principles and life lessons from him. I loved him deeply.鈥
A businessman by trade and a servant at heart, Scharnberg built his career as founder and president of Katecho, Inc., a medical manufacturing company based in Des Moines, Iowa. Though he achieved considerable success in the business world, he focused his attention on Christian education, believing deeply in its potential to equip future leaders to serve Christ with excellence.
His generosity helped fund scholarships, student programming and facility improvements, most notably the Scharnberg 
Business and Communication Center, which opened in 2024. The building now serves as the home of Cedarville鈥檚 Robert W. Plaster School of Business and stands as a tribute to his enduring vision for business education rooted in biblical values.
鈥淟orne loved God and His Word,鈥 added White. 鈥淗e wanted everyone to know that Jesus is coming again, and we need to be prepared for that day. We will miss him, but we know we will see Lorne again.鈥
Though his professional and ministry accomplishments were many, Scharnberg often considered his greatest joy to be his family. Scharnberg was preceded in death by his first wife, Kathi.
Scharnberg is survived by his wife, Sharon, son, Mark, daughter-in-law, Jana, two grandsons, Jameson and Lincoln, one granddaughter, Sidney, who is a current student at the university, and many other loving family members and friends.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, Sept. 13, at Soteria Church, 3250 SE Soteria Ave., West Des Moines, Iowa. Visitation is scheduled from 1 to 2:30 p.m., with the funeral service to follow from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m.
Cedarville University remembers Lorne Scharnberg not just for what he gave but for who he was: a wise counselor, a compassionate leader and a faithful friend. His legacy lives on in the lives of the students he championed and the mission he helped to preserve.
Cedarville University, an evangelical Christian institution in southwest Ohio, offers undergraduate and graduate programs across arts, sciences and professional fields. With 7,265 students, it ranks among Ohio's largest private universities and is recognized by The Wall Street Journal as being among the nation鈥檚 top three evangelical universities. Cedarville is also known for its vibrant Christian community, challenging academics and high graduation and retention rates. Learn more at .