of Harrison, AR
July 4, 1949 - November 1, 2021
Sheila Marie (Durst) Schernikau, age 72, of Harrison, passed away peacefully in her sleep at her home on Monday, November 1, 2021. She was born July 4, 1949, in Tecumseh, Nebraska, the daughter of George and Meredith (Cloud) Durst, who preceded her in death.
Sheila grew up in Elk Creek, Nebraska, where she graduated from school in 1967. She attended nurses training at the School of Practical Nursing in Lincoln, Nebraska, graduating in March 1969. In January 1971, while attending a dance in Dubois, Nebraska, Sheila met Richard Schernikau. They married five months later on June 12, 1971, which, according to them, was the hottest day of the year. It was told that the rice cooked on their heads! Sheila always joked that she and Richard didn't date until after they were married since they had lived over an hour away from each other.
In May 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 1986, their "surprise" daughter, Lynsi Sarah, was welcomed to the family. Sheila was also blessed with five grandchildren, the eldest born in 1994.
Sheila continued nursing until her retirement in 1996. In May 2005, Richard and Sheila moved to Harrison after a tornado took the Schernikau homestead in May 2004. Soon after moving to Arkansas, Sheila became a member of the Bear Creek Springs Baptist Church family, where she loved socializing with fellow members.
Sheila is survived by her husband, Richard Schernikau, of the home; her son, Brad Schernikau, of Cook, Nebraska; her daughters, Traci King, Lynsi Schernikau, and Jodi Rueda, all of Harrison; and five grandchildren.
Sheila never knew a stranger; everyone was just a friend she hadn't met yet.
The Memorial Service was Friday, November 12, 2021, at Bear Creek Springs Baptist Church, with Bro. Mark Enloe officiating.
In lieu of flowers, cards may be sent to the family at 189 Foley Road, Harrison, AR 72601.
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20 Condolence(s)
Sherry Carter, Darla Reinwald & Dennis Tipton
Saturday, November 13, 2021
Praying peace for your hearts knowing that this is life is not the end; this earth
is not our home. With sympathy, the children of Jean Tipton
Karen ( Lippold) Haughton
Friday, November 12, 2021
To the family of Sheila Schernikau our sympathy and prayers go out to all of you. Our family was very close with the Durst family. Our fathers worked together in Elk Creek and Sheila was always invited to all of our birthday parties! Sheila graduated with my brother and he was glad to get to visit with her at their 50th class reunion. Cherish all the wonderful memories, we will! Love and prayers, Karen and Bruce Haughton
Deb Robison Kreienhop
Friday, November 12, 2021
Prayers of peace and comfort for Sheila’s family. We were classmates both in church and school. Many cherished memories.
Cindy Togstad
Friday, November 12, 2021
We are so sorry for your loss. I remember your wife/mother/grandmother always wearing a smile, alway happy. I know she will be missed! Always a very kind person. Sending prayers, love, blessings and hugs to you all!â¤ï¸
Barbara (Bates) Schultz
Friday, November 12, 2021
I don't remember ever NOT knowing Sheila. We grew up a couple blocks from each other, graduated from the same H.S. and the same nursing school. She was my older brothers age and always had that sweet and ornery smile. The world is a better place because she was in it. â¤â¤â¤â¤
Jerry & Betty Johnson
Friday, November 12, 2021
Prayers and sympathy to the family.
Carrie Fletcher
Friday, November 12, 2021
One very sweet person. My thoughts are with you.
Carla Beerhe Loemker
Friday, November 12, 2021
Dear Family,
I graduated from High School with Sheila. He contagious smile and laugh will definitely be missed. I am so happy her son brought her to our class reunion in Omaha. Bless you for doing that!
My sympathies to all of you who loved her.
Sandy Williams
Thursday, November 11, 2021
I’m so very sorry for your loss. Peace be with you.
Barbara and Doug Ambrose
Wednesday, November 10, 2021
Doug and I are so sorry at your loss.
Trent Hill
Wednesday, November 10, 2021
Sorry for your loss. Thinking of you all.
Cousin Diane & Bob
Tuesday, November 9, 2021
We are deeply sorry for your loss of your Mom. She was always visiting with us at the Durst reunions. She will be missed. Our thought & prayers are with you.
Steve Durst
Tuesday, November 9, 2021
Shortly after WWII, 3 Durst brothers and 2 sisters whose spouses were in the service did their part to start the Baby Boomer generation. Also known as Post War Babies. Of that group of 8 children Shiela was the first of the 8 cousins to depart this life. All of the Durst cousins express our deepest sympathy to Richard & the kids. Shiela I know you are catching everyone up on things and we’ll see you soon. Your cousin Stevie
Ted and Jann Durst
Tuesday, November 9, 2021
May Sheila rest in peace with her Heavenly Father.
Karen Kreifels
Tuesday, November 9, 2021
To Richard and family,
I know how much sadness you will all feel with your loss of Sheila. I’m sure you will find much laughter and joy as you share memories of Sheila also.
Sincerely,
Karen Kreifels
Tom Stoddard
Monday, November 8, 2021
I’ve never met any person that was so pleasant and alway had the most wonderful smile, just like her photo! She is remembered fondly. God bless her loved one at this time of sadness and turn them into memories of joy for a life well lived!
Rochelle Chapman
Monday, November 8, 2021
I'm so sorry for your loss. I didn't know Ms. Sheila before I took care of her in hospice, but she was always so sweet and spoke so lovingly of her children and grandchildren. She will be missed.
Tim Kreifels
Monday, November 8, 2021
Sorry to hear of the death of your mother Brad, thoughts and prayers to you and your family.
Jack&Willie Stinson
Monday, November 8, 2021
Deepest sympathy goes out to all of the family. May the Lord wrap his loving arms around you and give your heart peace.
Sharalyn Durst Coke
Monday, November 8, 2021
Thinking of you all...