Ernest Orville “Ernie” Sherk, age 75, of Shelby, passed away peacefully on August 3, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. Ernie died at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center in Columbus where he was receiving treatment for his leukemia battle over the past five years. He leaves behind a legacy of love, hard work, and unwavering devotion to the people he cherished.
Born on November 15, 1950, in Bucyrus, Ohio, Ernie was the son of the late Hugh Edward “Ed” and Mary Emma (Pfleiderer) Sherk. He graduated in the Colonel Crawford High School Class of 1969. Ernie was a 30-year employee of General Motors in Ontario where he worked as a millwright, retiring in 2006.
On October 4, 1974, Ernie married the love of his life, Beth (Heiland) Sherk. Together they shared 51 wonderful years of marriage, building a life rooted in faith, family, laughter, and unconditional love. Ernie was the proud father of Angie (Jason) Brown, Christopher Sherk, and Scott (Sarah) Sherk. One of his greatest joys in life was being “Grandpa” to his grandchildren: Kylie, Mason, Sawyer, and Scarlett.
Ernie was preceded in death by his parents, Ed and Mary Emma Sherk; his father-in-law and mother in law, Larry and Dorothy Heiland; his sister, Valerie (Sherk) Smith; his sister in law, Mary (Stuckman) Sherk; and his great nephew, Preston Smith.
Left to cherish his memory are his devoted wife, Beth; his children and grandchildren; his brother, Elger Sherk; his brother in law, Lindsay (JoAnn) Smith; and his brother-in-law and sister in law, Bill (Amy) Heiland. He also leaves behind numerous nephews and their families, extended family members, neighbors, and friends who were blessed to know him.
To know Ernie was to know a man who found joy in life’s simple pleasures. He could often be found in his workshop tinkering on cars, fixing something for a neighbor, or riding his cart around the property. His workshop was more than a workspace; it was a gathering place. Whether you were family, a lifelong friend, or someone he had just met, you were always welcome to pull up a chair, share a story, and enjoy a laugh. Conversations came easy with Ernie, and everyone who spent time with him left feeling a little lighter than when they arrived.
He loved evenings around the bonfire with family and friends telling stories, singing karaoke, and enjoying a cold Michelob Ultra. He appreciated old westerns, honest work, and the comfort of familiar routines. Whether casting a fishing line into Grandpa’s pond, lending a hand in the garage, or simply sitting with the ones he loved, Ernie found joy in the moment.
Above all, Ernie loved his family. He was the steady presence everyone leaned on—the first to offer help, the first to show up, and the one who made everyone around him feel safe and loved. He lived his life with humility, generosity, and quiet strength. While we mourn his absence, we celebrate a life well lived and a man deeply and unconditionally loved.
Ernie’s story does not end here. It continues in his family, in the traditions he created, and in the love he gave so freely. He will be forever loved, missed, and remembered.
Family and friends are welcome on Thursday, August 6, 2026 from 4-7 pm at the Penwell Funeral Home, 168 West Main Street, Shelby. Ernie’s Funeral Mass will be on Friday, August 7, 2026 at 10:30 am at Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Church, 29 West Street, Shelby. Fr. Chris Mileski will celebrate the mass. Burial will be in Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Cemetery, Bethlehem, Shelby Settlement. For those wishing, memorial contributions may be to Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Church.
Condolence may be left on the funeral home’s website (PenwellFuneralHome.com) or Facebook page.
Funeral Home: Penwell Funeral Home
Website: www.PenwellFuneralHome.com