Shari Renee Stonacek

LINCOLN – Funeral service for Shari Renee Stonacek, 57, of Lincoln will be held at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, September 22, 2022 at the Christ Lutheran Church, 4325 Sumner St., Lincoln. Pastor Luke Schnake will be officiating the service. Luncheon will be held following the service. Graveside service immediately following the luncheon will be held at the Yankee Hill Cemetery in Lincoln. The service will be live streamed at https://boxcast.tv/view/shari-stonacek-funeral-t0raomy0wisyz4olc81d and also on the Stonacek Funeral Chapel Facebook page. Visitation will be held from 3:00-7:00 p.m., Wednesday, also at the Christ Lutheran Church in Lincoln. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials be made to the family for a later designation. She went to be with the Lord on Thursday, September 15, 2022 with her family by her side at The Monarch by Eastmont in Lincoln after a 3½ year battle with kidney cancer. Stonacek Funeral Chapel in Norfolk is in charge of the arrangements with services being held in Lincoln. Shari, known to family and friends as “Sarge” and “Honey Badger”, was born on January 13, 1965 in Lincoln to Harry Sr. and Mary (Sackschewsky) Watson. Shari grew up with four brothers. Growing up, she and her siblings rarely fought, but instead they supported each other as best as they could. She would tell the story about going to church when she was young and how her dad would always make them sit near the front pew. The kids would get the giggles because they usually would sit near “the lady who always sang loud and off key.” Her brothers would make the funniest faces as this happened and she could not stop laughing. This didn’t always go over well, yet it would keep repeating each Sunday. Shari attended Lincoln Southeast High School where she played volleyball. Many great friendships resulted from those high school years. After graduating from high school, Shari attended Kearney State College, where she met Troy Stonacek. She was immediately turned off. He was way too loud and boisterous for her. Shari and her roommate and good high school friend, Lynette were merely going for supper at the cafeteria, when they met Troy and his friend, Kirk (who's also loud). The guys just wanted to “dine with them”. In an attempt to avoid them, they agreed to looking for a two-seater table. With only a four-seater available, they were forced to dine together. Many great friendships resulted from those college years. Troy would like everyone to know that Shari asked him on their first date to the Alpha Phi Function. She was a cheerleader for Kearney State. She graduated from Kearney State, receiving her Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing, later receiving her Master’s Degree. Troy and Shari were married on June 21, 1986 in Lincoln. Troy would like to remind everyone that he carried Shari out of the church that day. Shari would like everyone to know that he actually carried her throughout their marriage, not just on their wedding day. She loved him during the good times and the challenging times. Shari was an RN for over 35 years, working at the Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney, Bryan Health in Lincoln, and for pharmaceutical companies. Her passion to help others was very evident. God was her source of strength. Shari worked night shift for 20+ years. The conversion to day shift was brutal for the entire family, but eventually they all adjusted. It was at work that she developed more friendships that lasted her lifetime. Shari’s greatest gift is each child that God gave to them. Shari is so proud of all of their children. She loves them, their spouses, and her grandchildren. The Lord has certainly blessed each of them. Their children developed friendships and their parents also became friends. Shari discovered casinos and loved going to the boats or Las Vegas several times a year. This was an “escape” from the daily grind. She is survived by her loving husband Troy Stonacek of 36 years, their seven beloved children Justin (Rachel) Stonacek and their children Landon and Maria of Omaha, Joslin (Eli) Cecava and their daughters Vivian, Mabel, and Reba of Lincoln, Jasmin (Jordan) Kunz and their daughter Scottlyn Kunz of Grand Island, Jaidin Stonacek, Jedmin Stonacek, Jaclin Stonacek, and Joycin Stonacek all of Lincoln, parents Harry Sr. and Mary Watson of Lincoln, parent-in-laws Bill (Sharon) Stonacek of Pierce, brothers Larry (Diane) Watson of Elkhorn, Gary Watson of Lincoln, Harry Jr. (Morgan) Watson of Lincoln, Barry (Abby) Watson of Salt Lake City, UT, brother-in-law Todd (Linda) Stonacek of Pierce, sister-in-law Shannon (Byron) Wragge of Pierce, Aunts Loretta Dollen, Ramona (Jeff) Watson, Merna (Greg) Driewer, Linda Watson, numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family and friends. She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Paul and Esther Sackshewsky, David and Mercedes Watson, aunts and uncles Judy and Ken Hewitt, Joan Blum, and Daryl Watson. Pallbearers will be David Watson, Daniel Watson, Spencer Watson, Parker Watson, Carter Watson, Brock Stonacek, Blake Stonacek, Bronson Stonacek, and Cody Wragge. Honorary pallbearers will be Waklin Watson, Wiles Watson, Otto Watson, Jenny Watson, Willow Watson, Etta Watson, Branigan Walsh, Payton Freeman, and Kierstyn Wragge. Condolences may be expressed to the family on-line at www.stonacekfuneralchapel.com. With the diagnosis of Kidney Cancer on February 23, 2019 life was suddenly different. God had renewed presence and faith was redesigned. God gave Shari and her family and friends strength, faith, and truth. Shari always knew that Heaven would be her eternal resting place and now God was going to prove it. Every day on earth, surrounded by friends and family, was a gift. Praise to God. God is good. I believe in this! I am at peace with dying. Not only because of my spiritual beliefs, but possibly because of “being there for others when they pass”. Watch below: From life to death, beyond and back – Thomas Fleischmann – TEDx Thank you to everyone who helped us during our times of need. When our children were younger, we relied on many parents to help with carpooling to/from church and school activities etc. Now we thank you for supporting them during this difficult time. Thank you to all the Healthcare Providers, Spiritual staff, families, and friends who helped Shari, Troy, and our children during our time of need and during this difficult time of illness and loss.

Tributes

Shari Renee Stonacek

January 13, 1965 - September 15, 2022