Willis J. Schierholt

Willis J. Schierholt, 96, of West Pierce Street, Carlsbad, New Mexico, passed away April 3, 2011 at Lakeview Christian Home. Visitation will be Wednesday, April 6, 2011 from 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM at Denton-Wood Funeral Home. A Funeral service is scheduled for Thursday, April 7, 2011, 2:00 PM at Blodgett Street Baptist Church with Pastor David Prell and Pastor Gary Wolfe officiating. Interment will follow in Carlsbad Cemetery, Carlsbad, New Mexico. Denton-Wood Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. Willis J. Schierholt was born August 16, 1914 in New Bremen, Ohio to Frank Augusta and Emma (Heitman) Schierholt. He attended a country school in Mercer County and finished school in another country school in Ohio. He married Bernice Marie Rhodes in 1940. In 1942 they moved to New Mexico where he worked on a farm. Willis started mining potash in 1943 for U. S. Potash, retiring after 25 years. He married Juanita Ridgeway and together they moved to Green River, Wyoming, where he worked in the Soda Ash Mines for 10 years before moving back to Carlsbad. He and Juanita were married for 25 years, enjoying their 2nd home in Timberon. He married Ethel Wilson in 1995 and she passed away after 15 years of marriage. Together they also enjoyed the second home, long drives, walks and being together. Willis was a church deacon at Monroe Avenue Baptist Church in Green River, Wyoming and also at Blodgett Street Baptist Church. He enjoyed being with his family, his church family and his array of friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; three wives; step-son, Kemp Ridgeway; three sisters; one brother and granddaughter, Nickolle Schierholt. Survivors are three sons: Lavoy Schierholt and wife, Tammy of Carlsbad, NM, Gerald Schierholt and wife, Barbara of Weed, NM, Glenn Schierholt and wife, Lori of Carson City, NV; four step-children: Mary Ann Fincher and husband, William of Carlsbad, NM, Dr. Bill Wilson and wife, Ann of Nachodoches, TX, Robert Ridgeway and wife, Linda of Carlsbad, NM and Gayle York of Carlsbad, NM; numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren; one sister living in Ohio and numerous other family members. Pallbearers will be Bob Rogers, Ted Sleeman, Don Suggs, Dan Pike, Doyle Paskey and Floyd Beavers. Honorary pallbearers will be Sam Christensen and Les Pierce. Should friends desire memorials might be made to The Seminary Fund at Blodgett Street Baptist Church, 1500 W. Blodgett Street, Carlsbad, NM 88220. Condolences may be expressed at dentonwood.com.