Sara Marie Bernhard (44) of Shumway
Published on January 18 2025 9:12 pm
It is with our deepest sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved Sara Marie Bernhard, a wife, mother, daughter, sister, teacher, coach and friend. She left this world on Friday, January 17, 2025 at HSHS St. Anthony’s Memorial Hospital in Effingham, IL, with her family by her side and leaving behind a legacy of love, dedication, undeniable faith and unshakeable strength.
Sara was born on January 6, 1981 in Effingham, IL, the daughter of Richard and Karen (Braun) Henkelman. She married Zach Bernhard on July 17, 2004 at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church.
A mother, a teacher and a coach, Sara loved children, teaching them and helping them shape their minds and inspiring them to reach their fullest potential. Her impact extended far beyond the classroom or the court, as she made a lasting impression on everyone she encountered. Her family was the center of her world. On weekends, you would find her at every motocross event with her boys, running from bridge to bridge tracking their time, taking videos of them to analyze their performance and share family memories, and secretly praying nobody got hurt. If she wasn’t at motocross, she was riding horses with her daughter or at the volleyball gym, where she would coach her daughter and cheer on her success. Horseback riding was always a great way for the two of them to enjoy nature and have great conversations. The love she had for her family was immeasurable and she made every moment spent with them a cherished one.
Sara found joy and solace in the simple things-whether it was a walk along the ocean edge, feeling the breeze and listening to the waves crash or tending to her beloved flowers, which bloomed as beautifully as her heart. Sara brought warmth, light and positivity wherever she went, leaving a lasting impression on all who knew her.
Sara is survived by her husband, Zach Bernhard; children, Ethan Richard, Emma Marie, Jaxon Paul, and Brock Zachary; parents, Richard and Karen Henkelman; siblings, Michelle Boatman, Amy (Matt) Dammerman, and Kristie (Mike) Bailey; parents-in-law, Paul and Patti Bernhard; sister-in-law, Ashley (Adam) Bradshaw; brother-in-law, Kanan Bernhard; and nieces and nephews, Jacklynn, Jacy, Kassy, Taylor, Louis, Millie, and Ellie.
She was preceded in death by her grandparents, “Bud” and Millie Braun and Willard and Helen Henkelman; and aunt, Mary Hopkins.
Memorial services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, January 23, 2025 in the Enlow Center at St. Anthony High School in Effingham. Burial will be in St. Anthony Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 22, 2025 at Christ’s Church, 2511 S. Veterans Drive, Effingham. Services are in the care of Johnson Funeral Home in Effingham.
In lieu of flowers and gifts, memorials may be made to Sara’s family, c/o Zach Bernhard. Online condolences may be shared by clicking here.
Sara will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her. She will live on in the hearts of her family, friends and students. Though she may be gone, her spirit will remain with us, guiding us like the ocean breeze she so loved.