Memorial for Ed Scherlacher by redeemeratl

Edward John Scherlacher, Jr. April 1, 1960 - December 16, 2025

Edward John Scherlacher, Jr. was born on April 1, 1960, in Newark, New Jersey, to Edward and Geraldine Scherlacher. In high school and college, Ed discovered his talent for entertainment and became a self-taught magician and ventriloquist. He realized he could bring joy to others while also earning a living as YoYo the Magic Clown, and he delighted children and families and was once named New Jersey’s number one clown.

He earned a master's degree in church history from Drew University and was accepted into the university’s PhD program. He was the pastor of Grace Evangelical Free Church in Oak Ridge, New Jersey, for many years, and a gifted preacher whose sermons combined insight, history, and encouragement.

In his personal life, Edward had the ability to charm people, to talk to anyone from all walks of life. He could make anyone laugh and feel special. He loved to make jewelry. He made rosaries, bracelets, and rings. Before moving to Atlanta, he loved New York City, especially Central Park. When he moved to Atlanta he fell in love with Piedmont Park in Midtown, a/k/a “the Central Park of the south.” Ed continued his ministry in many different ways. As a member of Evangelical Lutheran Church of the Redeemer, he taught bible studies and led the senior adult ministry. One of the last things he did was take part in a docu-series called “Let the Devil In”. He will be missed by his family, friends, and congregation, and his light will forever shine.

Ed is survived by his daughter, Kristina D. Scherlacher; his son, Nikolaus Scherlacher; his daughter-in-law, Amber Scherlacher; his brothers, Andrew and Christopher Scherlacher; and 5 grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, the family believes that Ed would be most honored by each of you performing a random act of kindness whether for a loved one or a stranger.

GATHERING

Standing

Welcome in the name of Jesus the Savior, who died and was raised to new life by the grace of God. We are gathered here to worship, to remember before God our brother Ed Scherlacher, to give thanks for his life, to commend him to our merciful redeemer, and to comfort one another in our grief.

THANKSGIVING FOR BAPTISM

When we were baptized in Christ Jesus, we were baptized into his death. We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, so that as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might live a new life. For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we shall certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his.

Eternal God, maker of heaven and earth, who formed us from the dust of the earth, who by your breath gave us life, we glorify you | We glorify you.

Jesus Christ, the resurrection and the life, who suffered death for all humanity, who rose from the grave to open the way to eternal life, we praise you. | We praise you.

Holy Spirit, author and giver of life, the comforter of all who sorrow, our sure confidence and everlasting hope, we worship you. | We worship you.

To you, O blessed Trinity, be glory and honor, forever and ever. | Amen.

HYMN 422

For All the Saints Stanzas 1, 2, 6, 7

GREETING

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all. | And also with you

PRAYER OF THE DAY

O God of grace and glory, we remember before you today our brother, Ed We thank you for giving him to us to know and to love as companions in our pilgrimage on earth. In your boundless compassion, console us who mourn. Give us faith to see that death has been swallowed up in the victory of our Lord Jesus Christ, so that we may live in confidence and hope until, by your call, we are gathered to our heavenly home in the company of all your saints; through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. | Amen.

Seated

REFLECTIONS AND TRIBUTES

Dennis Hansen

Esther Conner

David Besherse

SCRIPTURE READINGS

Psalm 23 (read responsively)

Read by Ed Kuehn

The Lord is my shepherd: I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: He leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for His name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: For Thou art with me, Thy rod and Thy staff, they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies; Thou anointest my head with oil, my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

2 Timothy 4: 1-8

Read by Cliff Burt

Standing GOSPEL

John 14:1-7

Seated

SERMON Pastor Mark H. Larson

Standing HYMN 504

A Mighty Fortress is Our God

APOSTLES' CREED

God has made us his people through our Baptism into Christ. Living together in trust and hope, we confess our faith.

I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.

I believe in Jesus Christ, God’s only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried; he descended to the dead. On the third day he rose again; he ascended into heaven, he is seated at the right hand of the Father, and he will come to judge the living and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.

Kneeling or Seated PRAYERS

Let us pray to our Lord Jesus Christ who said, “I am the resurrection and the life.”

Jesus, full of compassion, you consoled Martha and Mary in their distress; draw near to us who mourn for Ed and dry the tears of those who weep.