Lathrop Johnson, a retired professor emeritus of German, is being remembered by family and friends as an enthusiastic person who was devoted to his job and department.
Johnson died Oct. 20 from health issues after undergoing a variety of treatments. He worked at Ball State for 36 years before retiring in the spring of 2015.
Nicola Schmerbeck, assistant professor of German, said she has fond memories of Johnson during her time working with him.
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“Lathrop was not just my colleague, but also my friend,” Schmerbeck said.
Schmerbeck met Johnson in 2012 when she was a new faculty member. Johnson never hesitated to offer his help and support when she needed his advice, she said.
“One winter, after returning from visiting Germany, my pipes had frozen and my car had broken down right after my arrival,” Schmerbeck said. “Lathrop immediately offered me his help and gave me a lift to the supermarket.”
On Oct. 27, former and current Ball State German students shared their memories of Johnson at an impromptu get-together. They expressed how grateful they were to have his wisdom and guidance, Schmerbeck said.
“Those students of Dr. Johnson’s, who are now German teachers themselves, bore witness to how everything they learned from him is now reflected in their own teaching and how his spirit lives on in their German classrooms all over Indiana,” Schmerbeck said.
Johnson started teaching in Illinois and Florida before coming to Ball State in 1979. Soon after, he became active in the Indiana Association of Teachers of German. He served as the Northern representative from 1983 to 1985, then vice president from 1990 to 1992 and president from 1992 to 1994.
Laura Šešet, assistant professor of German, said her strongest memory of Johnson is when she worked with him during the 2005 spring semester. Johnson coordinated the Indiana Association of Students of German Staatskongress at Ball State. This event invites middle and high school students studying German to visit campus for a day and experience an array of activities.
“He inspired many colleagues and students with this event, for which he received the Judy Easton Spirit Award that year,” Šešet said.
Every year, this award is given to the person who contributes most to the event.
Johnson is also known for his love of music. He regularly attended recitals given by music students in his courses.
“He was a dynamic teacher and colleague, lively and engaging in his courses and faculty meetings,” Šešet said.
A memorial gathering will be held at 2 p.m. on Nov. 8 in the Music Lounge at the L.A. Pittenger Student Center where students from the School of Music will play.
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