It is with great sadness that Karen Cross, Erika Shemberg and Andrea Shemberg announce the passing of their father, Kenneth M. Shemberg, 82, of Bowling Green, Ohio. Ken will be remembered as a loving father who put his children at the center of his world, an insatiable reader, a passionate educator and devoted friend. His wit, intellect, thoughtfulness and warmth will be sorely missed.
Born on October 22, 1935 in Philadelphia, Ken was raised in Denver, Colorado. He grew up loving hunting and fishing in the Rocky Mountains. He served in the US Navy as a petty officer first class on Kodiak Island, Alaska from 1954 – 56 where he was a Morse code operator. After his service in the Navy, and thanks to the G.I. Bill, Ken attended Greeley College, and the University of Denver. He then received his PhD in Psychology from the University of Nebraska.
In 1966 Ken began his career at BGSU where his greatest professional joy was helping to create the clinical psychology program. His great passion for teaching and training graduate students made him a much-loved professor and mentor to many, keeping him at the university for more than 50 years. He was the longest active tenured professor before his retirement in August 2017.
Ken was an avid reader, especially of American history and presidential biographies. He loved traveling, and with family and friends he explored many countries of the world.
Ken is survived by his three daughters Karen Cross (Jeff) of Chevy Chase, Maryland; Erika Shemberg (Adam Robins) of Columbus, Ohio; Andrea Shemberg (Franco Rigamonti) of Bologna, Italy and his five grandchildren Grace and Paige Cross, Beck and Neko Robins and Zoe Rigamonti.
A remembrance gathering will be held Friday, August 17, 2018 at 6:30 pm at the Rotary Nature Center, 615 South Wintergarden Road, Bowling Green, OH 43402. Arrangements have been entrusted to Dunn Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to support the BGSU Psychological Services Center. Checks can be made payable to the BGSU Foundation (please include “in memory of Ken Shemberg” in the memo area), and mailed to BGSU Foundation, Inc. 1851 N. Research Drive, Bowling Green, Ohio 43403.
To share an online condolence or fond memory with the Shemberg family please visit www.dunnfuneralhome.com.
