The Rev. John Vannorsdall died Sunday, April 5, 2020 at age 94 in Medina, Ohio.

His son, Chris, said Vannorsdall fell victim to the COVID-19 virus.

Vannorsdall was born and grew up in Ohio where his parents were both teachers.

He was a 1945 graduate of Harvard University and received his master of divinity degree at the Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia (LTSP) in 1948. He would return to LTSP, one of the predecessors of United Lutheran Seminary, as president from 1986-1990, after which he retired.

The beloved clergyman began his ministry as pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in New Haven, Conn. He returned to New Haven 20 years later as the fourth chaplain of Yale University. Vannorsdall was the first Lutheran to serve in that role and Yale's first chaplain who did not have a degree from the school.

The Rev. Vannorsdall served as the chaplain at Gettysburg College from 1962 through 1976, and prior to that, spent five years as university pastor at Cornell University.

From 1976 until his retirement, the widely acclaimed preacher's sermons were broadcast nationwide on The Protestant Hour. A collection of some of his best-loved sermons was published by Fortress Press in 1982 as the book, "Dimly Burning Wicks: Reflections on the Gospel After a Time Away."

Vannorsdall and his wife of 74 years, Patricia, had three children: daughters, Leslie Vannorsdall of Cleveland, OH, and Joan Vannorsdall of Clifton Forge, VA; and son, Chris of Medina, OH. He is also survived by three grandchildren, Matt Schroeder of Minneapolis, MN; Olivia Schroeder of Kent, WA; and Jordan Schroeder Forte of Winchester, VA; and five great-grandchildren.

A private burial service was held on Easter Monday and a public memorial service may be held a later date. The Bauer Funeral Home of Valley City, Ohio handled the arrangements.