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Obituary for John Howard Shatzer Jr
John Howard Shatzer, Jr., died December 30, 2023, surrounded by his family. He was born Sept 22, 1945, in Oak Park, Illinois. He is survived by his wife, Georganne Harmon, his children Rebecca Shatzer, John Shatzer, III, Jennifer Shatzer, granddaughter Téa Shatzer, sister Janet Di Muro, Betty Shatzer, and the loving memory of his grandson Rowan Shatzer. He was preceded in death by parents Helen Rebecca Shatzer and John Howard Shatzer, and his grandson. He graduated from Evansville University and earned a PhD in Educational Psychology from the University of Illinois, Urbana. His professional life was devoted to medical education.
He was a consummate educator who founded and directed state-of-the art programs at both Johns Hopkins and Vanderbilt Schools of Medicine, advocating for Standardized Patient programs and Simulation Centers at both Universities.
During his years on Guam in the 70's, John was an avid scuba diver, spending hours upon hours under the water exploring local shipwrecks. He later transitioned to golf, where he built and maintained lasting, meaningful friendships. He made his mark on many lives and is loved by many hearts.
Friendships and family were his touchstones, along with a powerful love of music and a whole succession of German Shepherd and Irish Setter companions.
John requested that any donations be directed to Larkspur, The Nature Conservancy https://larkspurconservation.org or the charity of one's choice.
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Elaine Frost
So Sorry John is gone. My condolences to his family and his many friends. I knew John from grade school and high school. He was always so genuine and cheerful.He was the best of the best, even as a third-grader.
Always looked forward to seeing John during HS reunions and was saddened to learn he was facing healh challenges that kept him from our 60th Reunion. As a survivor myself, was so hoping he would pull through. Didn't realize John had passed until just learned through the OPRFHS link. In sadness, Elaine
Gerald Rierson
Sorry to hear about John. My condolences to his family. John was a great friend. I knew him from 3rd grade thru high school. He was always happy and a funny guy. Loved seeing him at the reunions. May he RIP.
Bobette /Bobbi Schoff (Sweeney)
Many fond memories of John Shatzer since Washington School kindergarten and Sunday School, MYF. John was a champ at "Steal the Bacon!" "Dodge Ball!" Classroom pranks! Always a happyn guy from a supper family. May Georganne and his loving family carry on John's outreaching legacy and joy of life. Peace, special childhood friend.
Bobbi Schoff Sweeney
Robert L Mitchell
John and I became close friends when we moved to River Forest when I was 12 and we were close friends all through RFJH and OPRFHS. We went in separate directions through college and afterwards, but we always retained intermittant contact with each other. I have a fond memory of an evening in Baltimore, about 10 years ago, with John and Georgeann, and I spoke briefly with John last November. John was one of two close friendships that I made in River Forest and Oak Park that have lasted a lifetime, and that is very much to be cherished. Rest In Peace dear friend.