of Harrison, AR

January 1, 1943 - October 25, 2025

Richard "Jiggs" Ervin Schernikau, 82, of Harrison, passed away peacefully in his sleep at his home on Saturday, October 25, 2025. He was born January 1, 1943, in Beatrice, Nebraska, the son of Ervin and Beulah (Jackson) Schernikau.

Jiggs grew up on a farm outside Clatonia, Nebraska, where he graduated from high school in 1960. He was then drafted in February of 1965 and was posted in Germany and honorably discharged in February of 1967. In January of 1971, while attending a dance in Dubois, Nebraska, he met Sheila Durst. They married 5 months later, on June 12, 1971, which according to Sheila always said that they married on the hottest day of the year, that the rice cooked on their head.

In May of 1973, they welcomed their first child, a daughter, Traci Marie. In April 1975, their second daughter, Jodi Rae, was born. A few years later in March 1978 they welcomed their son, Bradley Richard. In June of 1986, their ''surprise'' daughter, Lynsi Sarah, was welcomed to the family. Jiggs was also blessed with five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Richard was a farmer, with livestock over the years. He then worked at Major Oil until he retired in 2005. In May of 2005, Jiggs and Sheila moved to Harrison after a tornado took the Schernikau homestead in May of 2004. Jiggs still went to the sale barn almost every week, whether he was buying cattle for others or just to talk about how expensive the cattle were getting.

Richard is preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Sheila; and a brother-in-law, Wayne.

Richards is survived by his son, Brad Schernikau, of Cook, Nebraska; his daughters, Traci King, Lynsi Schernikau, and Jodi Rueda, all of Harrison; five grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, and sister, Judy Smith of Lincoln, Nebraska.

Jiggs had his breakfast crew that he enjoyed seeing every morning in Alpena where he had his Oreo pie and coffee.


Arrangements will be made at a later date.

Cards may be sent to the family at 189 Foley Road, Harrison, AR. 72601

 

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