On February 21, 2018, Sharon A. Chism (formerly Genoa) was called home. Sharon A. Frehse was born to John and Mildred (Dye) Frehse on July 27, 1935 in Humboldt, NE, the younger sister to Jacquelyn. In her youth, Sharon was an exuberant cheerleader, baton twirler, and drum majorette for dear old Humboldt High.
She had a beautiful soprano voice and continued to sing throughout her life in community cantatas, church solos, and church choirs. Sharon married her high school sweetheart, Don N. Genoa in 1953. The couple built a home in Humboldt and raised 3 children with much laughter and love.
In 1965 the couple purchased the Pepsi-Cola Bottling Company in Humboldt from Don’s father, Henry Genoa who had operated the business since 1944. The couple ran the business until corporate discontinued bottling on site. Husband, Don passed in 1990.
Sharon worked at Prater’s Jewelry, served as a homemaker, a newspaper proofreader (before there was Spellcheck) for many years at The Humboldt Standard. For a few years Sharon was a surgical tech at the Humboldt Hospital. Hospital staff recall her singing to patients.
Sharon met Terry Harlow on a blind date set up by a friend. They shared a lot of fun together country line dancing and after a whirlwind romance that seemed destined to happen they were married at a small ceremony in 1995. Sadly, soon after their marriage their happiness was cut short by a tragic farm accident that took Terry’s life.
Several years later, on a vacation with her sister Jackie James in Florida, Sharon met David Chism. They later married and settled at Dave’s home in Elkhart, IN. Their personalities complimented each other, and the couple enjoyed several years traveling, socializing with friends, and boating on the St. Joseph River in Elkhart where Dave was a well-loved Township trustee for 20 years.
Sharon was an Honorary Member of the Osolo Township Fire Department, former member of the Elkhart Vintage Automobile Club, and a committee member of the Elkhart River Queen Flotilla Club. Sharon lovingly cared for Dave during his fight with cancer which was lost in 2003. Dave said, God had sent him an angel.
Throughout Sharon’s life she cared for others and made sure they were happy and had what they needed. She was a devoted mother and grandmother, who rarely sat down because she was always moving—tending flowers, birdwatching, or cleaning. In the rare moments when she did sit, she read romance novels.
Her grandkids loved her cooking, support for their interests, long talks on the phone, and thoughtful gifts. Her children always knew they had her love and support to rely on. Left to cherish Sharon’s loving memory are: daughter, Barbara A. Genoa and spouse Patty Keegan of Austin/Lake Buchanan, TX, David H. Genoa, Humboldt, Linda J. (Genoa) Standerford and husband John of Bedford, IA, grandchildren—Josh N. Standerford, Bedford, IA, McKenna J. Standerford, Maryville, MO.
,sister—Jackie James, Berne, IN, niece—Diana Smith and husband Mack of Portland, IN, David Chism’s daughter, Elaine Huckaby of Lawrenceville, GA. and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends. Memorial Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 28, 2018, at The Christian Church in Humboldt, Nebraska with Pastor Howard Blecha officiating.
A register book will be available to sign from 9 a.m.- 5 p.m. on Friday, April 27, 2018, at The Wherry Mortuary in Humboldt. Inurnment will be at the Humboldt Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be given to the family’s choice with a later designation.
Condolences can be shared online at www. wherrymortuary.com Services are entrusted to Wherry Mortuary- 207 N. Nemaha ST.
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