In Loving Memory of Wendall Zartman

St. John's is mourning the loss of our beloved Upper School history teacher, Wendall Zartman, who lost his battle with cancer on Friday. As a member of the SJS faculty for over 20 years and Chair of the History Department for well over a decade, Mr. Zartman had a deep connection to the entire school community. Faculty, staff, students, parents, alumni, and parents of alumni all knew Mr. Zartman as a kind soul with a devotion to his students.

In a message to the community, Headmaster Desjardins wrote, "While Wendall was deeply passionate and knowledgeable about history, his single best attribute was his uncanny ability to connect with students. Those who were fortunate to have him as a teacher or advisor always knew Mr. Zartman had their best interests at heart. His history students came to adore him and always appreciated when he showed up to support them in their various extra-curricular activities. He looked forward to greeting and working with students every day."

In February, Mr. Zartman was chosen as the 2020 Alumni Award recipient of the Lamp of Knowledge. This award is chosen by young alumni and given annually to a current St. John’s faculty member who inspired recent graduates to live according to the St. John’s Mission. Upon finding out about being this year’s recipient, Wendall was extremely moved and touched. Mr. Zartman looked forward to greeting and working with his students every day — even to the last day of his life. Teaching was his passion. He said, “I love what I do. My job is who I am.”

Headmaster Desjardins' closing remarks about his close friend and dedicated community member embody Mr. Zartman's character and the impact he made on our school community: "In the end, his greatest legacy will be that he knew and loved every student. He will be missed by all."

If you would like to share a fond memory or story about Mr. Zartman, please click here. All tributes can be found online here at https://www.sjs.org/in-loving-memory-of-mr-zartman