Sheree Lynn Harnagel
Sheree Lynn Harnagel peacefully passed from this life early February 20, 2021.
Sheree was born in Wichita, Kansas on February 2, 1954, but was raised in Phoenix, Arizona. She graduated from Grand Canyon University in 1976 and moved to California shortly thereafter. She would go on to marry Nathan while there, becoming a proud military wife. She also welcomed her son and pride and joy, Joshua. Together they would move across the country five times, using each trip as an excuse for a new and exciting adventure. The three also share a love of aviation. They would go to airshows all over the country, participate in events in support of the Commemorative Air Force and other warbird organizations, and never missed a week at EAA’s Airventure fly-in at Oshkosh, WI.
Other than her family, Sheree’s great passion in life was teaching. For over 40 years she taught elementary and middle school students. And while she loved all her classes, teaching history always had a special place in her heart. She worked with the full spectrum of children starting with learning handicapped students and later earned a Master’s degree with a focus on gifted and talented students. Although she technically retired from teaching in 2009, she continued tutoring and working with students up until her death.
Sheree is survived by her husband Nathan and son Joshua (Amelia), granddaughter Jacqueline and a grandson on the way; mother-in-law Ann; brother-in-law Jerrold (Susan); sister-in-law Karen (Michael); nephews Curtis, Scott, and Stephen and niece Michelle. In addition, there are innumerable friends that she considered family and students that she loved as if they were her own. She is preceded in death by her parents Willis and Nancy and father-in-law Jerrold.
Her encouraging spirit and infectious laughter will be missed by all who knew her. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that anyone who wishes to celebrate Sheree make a contribution to Warrior Bonfire program.
Nathan, my thoughts and prayers are with you.
I feel as a friend she treated me and made me feel as family. Having spent time with her recently I will cherish our laughter, mature lady banter and of course, all the nice subjects we spoke of you. My life has been enhanced just knowing her and feel as though she will continue to watch out for me while soaring the skies and Heavens above us.
Thanks, Dana. She was one of a kind.
Sherry had an infectious joy of life and it was a privilege to be part of her family
We are all better for having known her
Nathan, I was so sorry to hear that Sheree had passed. Having recently lost my wife, Phyllis, I understand what you’re going through. I understand she did not suffer, which is a blessing. Please accept my condolences.
Pete Mistrot
Hello, my name is Kymberly Mattern (formerly McCoy). Mrs. Harnagel was my 7th grade history teacher at RCMS. I am sadden to hear of her passing, but I wanted to reach out and share the impact that she had on my life.
Although I was already interested in history before I had her as my history teacher, she solidified my interest and love for history. I went on to receive a Bachelor of Arts in History, a Master of Science in Historic Preservation, and a Master of Arts in Teaching of Social Studies from Teachers College, Columbia University. I am now working as a 7th grade history teacher at a private school in New York City. Her love and passion for history inspired me to become a middle school history teacher, and I strive to be as engaging and passionate of a teacher as her. Her legacy will be carried on, and she will not be forgotten.
Kymberly, Sheree always put her heart into her work, but she particularly loved working at RCMS. She told me many stories of the kids she worked with there and kept track of their successes in life. Thank you for your remembrance.
Hi Nathan. My name is Jackie and I taught with Sherry at Saratoga Elementary school as a young teacher. We had shared a class together – we co-taught – and shared sooo many laughs as well. She always talked about you and your son and I could tell how in love she was with both of you. I moved away to PA in 1993 and just today thought of her. I’m am so sorry for your loss.
Jackie, didn’t we meet at an evening event during the time Sheree taught at Saratoga? There is a picture taken of us that night that is still on the refrigerator after all the moves and changes. You were a topic of conversation for many years. I hope everything has worked out well for you in your lifetime. Thanks for thinking about us.
Mrs. Harnagel was my favorite history teacher I ever had. I loved talking to her about WWII planes in her class when we studying that unit. She made history fun and she always encouraged my interests. The days where she would host historical movies during lunch period were the best. I’m sad I never reached out to her but I’m sure she touched many young students’ lives. I only recently thought about her when my sister got her pilots license and we were talking about her being able to fly old warplanes, I thought about my hilarious middle school history teacher who’s husband flew those kinds of planes. I’m sure many of us can say that we miss you Mrs. H.
Sheree loved pilots and aviation people in general. I’m sure she would join me in encouraging your Sister to fly the old planes. “Keep ’em flying!”
Mrs. Harnagel taught both my children at a private school one is a graduate of A&M the other will be attending HCU and majoring in History. She taught them a lot as well as myself. Did not know but I had been thinking about her and was looking her up especially with the air show crash.
My deepest condolences and love
I was there flying in Dallas the day the accident happened last year. Sheree understood the risks of my life before we got married and never complained about them. Her faith in the ultimate goodness of life was mighty. Perhaps she still protects me somehow.