Surrounded by those she loved and who loved her, Sheri lost her valiant struggle with cancer on January 24th, 2022 and went to meet her loved ones in heaven. She was 71. Sheri was welcomed into heaven by her father Ray Skovgaard, her father and mother-in-law, Justice Fred Weber and Phyllis Weber, and brother-in-law Paul Weber. She is survived by her loving husband Mark, her Sheriff’s Deputy and National Guard aviator son Paul, his wife Laura, their son Logan and soon-to-be daughter Grace, her R.N. daughter Hannah, and her business entrepreneur son Michael, her mother, her six siblings, and many nieces and nephews.
Sheri was born Sheri Jo Skovgaard in LaMoure, ND, on December 6, 1950, to Ray and Theresa (Palensky) Skovgaard. She joined her older brother Dennis (Cheryl Jenni) and quickly gained five younger siblings Brenda (Robert) Brown, Rebecca Skovgaard (Anthony Olek), Byrl (Ruth) Skovgaard, Jeff (Jan) Skovgaard, and Melissa Skovgaard. Sheri gladly stepped into the role of oldest sister, being a great second mom to the younger ones, and always thought of as the “nice” one in her rowdy, competitive family. (Kickball anyone?) She had the best heart of the family and expressed her love through hundreds of handwritten cards. This was a tradition she continued throughout her life, extending it to all who touched her. Our days were always better when we received one of her cards.
Sheri graduated from Billings Senior High in 1968. She attended the University of Montana, graduating with a degree in Child Development in 1972. Shortly after college, she became a teacher for deaf and blind children and then moved to Helena in 1980. Sheri met her soulmate Mark Weber in 1983 and then were married on August 4, 1984. She was blessed with loving parents-in-law Justice Fred and Phyllis Weber, brothers-in-law Don (Diane) and Paul (deceased), and sister-in-law Anna Marie Weber.
In their early marriage, Mark and Sheri spent time living on the East Coast and then returned to Helena to start their family. Their next years were spent in the fun and excitement of raising their three children. As a family, they enjoyed making memories camping, hiking, and spending time at the lake. While Mark ran his contracting business, Sheri devoted her time and energy to be with her children and in later years added the responsibility of caring for her aging in-laws. Sheri was a strong Christian woman whose faith carried her through all of life’s challenges and blessings.
Sheri was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 2004. She fought cancer head-on, while still being a loving wife, mother, and friend. In 2012, her cancer metastasized throughout her body. Despite a poor prognosis, Sheri was able to enjoy her children’s many accomplishments such as college graduations, Paul and Laura’s wedding, and welcoming her first grandchild. In December of 2021, Sheri was diagnosed with stomach cancer and she spent her last days surrounded by family.
Sheri was deeply grateful for the love and support her husband Mark always provided. She valued the way he could make the kids and her laugh even through the difficult times. Mark and Sheri took care of each other through the hardships and happiness of marriage and health. Sheri appreciated walking side-by-side with Mark throughout life’s journey. As for her children, she especially appreciated Paul for his faithfulness and humor (inherited from his father), Hannah for her gentleness and kindness, and Michael for his willing devotion and sweet spirit.
Sheri was especially blessed to become a grandma and spend time with her grandson Logan who brought joy, snuggles, and laughter.
Sheri was fortunate to have two very special friends. From Maggie Brennan, Sheri learned how to be a great mother and friend. And for more than thirty years, Sheri and Kathy Brammer shared their lives and enjoyed their annual girls’ road trips.
Sheri was profoundly grateful to Dr. Jim Burkholder for being her doctor for many years. She also felt blessed to have such a great oncology team, led by Dr. Tom Weiner and including Dr. Justin Thomas and all the nurses and staff at the Cancer Treatment Center. There was always much love, much care and much laughter.
There will be a public viewing on February 7th, 2022 from 12:00-3:00pm at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home and a vigil that evening at 7:00pm at Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church. The funeral service will be held at Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church on February 8th, 2022 at 11:00am. A brief reception will follow in the church.
The family requests that memorials be made to the St. Peter’s Health Cancer Treatment Center and Young Life.
Service Schedule
Viewing
12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Monday February 7, 2022
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Vigil
7:00 p.m.
Monday February 7, 2022
Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church
1502 Shirley Rd.
Helena, Montana 59602
Funeral Mass
11:00 a.m.
Tuesday February 8, 2022
Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church
1502 Shirley Rd.
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the Mass
Tuesday February 8, 2022
Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church
1502 Shirley Rd.
Helena, Montana 59602
Rite of Committal
Following the reception
Tuesday February 8, 2022
Resurrection Cemetery
3685 N Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Viewing
12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Monday February 7, 2022
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Vigil
7:00 p.m.
Monday February 7, 2022
Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church
1502 Shirley Rd.
Helena, Montana 59602
Funeral Mass
11:00 a.m.
Tuesday February 8, 2022
Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church
1502 Shirley Rd.
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the Mass
Tuesday February 8, 2022
Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church
1502 Shirley Rd.
Helena, Montana 59602
Rite of Committal
Following the reception
Tuesday February 8, 2022
Resurrection Cemetery
3685 N Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
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Judy Kuhl says
Mark, I a m so very sorry to hear of Sheri’s passing. We know that she is now in God’s loving arms. My deepest sympathy to you and your lovely family.
Jo Ann Jones says
Michael, I am so sorry to hear of your mom’s passing. I enjoyed visiting with her each time I saw her at your school functions. Please know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Love you son. Mama Jones
Robin Wardell says
Mark and family, we are sorry to hear of the passing of Sheri and knowing where she is now is such a comfort. Know that you and your family are in our prayers during this difficult time. Deepest sympathy. Bill and Robin Wardell
John & Cherie Dahl says
Mark and family, our thoughts and prayers and prayers go out to you and Cherie was blessed to teach Paul and Hannah in the Christian School. 🙏🙏🙏
Connie Kantner says
Michael,
Your mom sounds like an amazing person. I see where you get your kind and strong character. We are so sorry for your great loss.
May God bless and keep you.
With love and deepest sympathy,
Connie and Kelley Kantner
Lorri Mullen says
Mark and family,
We are so sorry about the passing of your dear wife, Sheri. Please know that you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers at this sad time. God Bless, Terry and Lorri Mullen
Susan E Rogge says
Mark and family, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. May God comfort you in this time of grief. I am praying for you all.
STEPHEN BEHLMER says
To Mark and Family
It’s been a while since I’ve seen y’all. You have always been in my prayers. Sheri had a twinkle in her eyes that was unforgettable. Mark-I think you know that twinkle. I know first hand that you worked some long hours. I wish you and your family peace and blessings.