Sharla Miranne Grace Dahlenburg Hennecke was born on October 16, 1979, in Winnipeg, Manitoba Canada. She was adopted as an infant by Ken and Sharon Dahlenburg of Steinbach, Manitoba. Her brother, Skylar, was adopted in 1981 and the family moved to the state of Oklahoma. As a pre-school child she prayed to trust Jesus Christ as her Savior. At age 10 she was baptized by her grandfather. In 1993 she became a naturalized United States citizen.
The family moved to Lincoln, Nebraska in 1987 where Sharla attended Lincoln Christian School through her Junior year. She was able to receive her GED from Southeast Community College. She also graduated from Joseph’s College of Beauty.
Sharla excelled in customer service and hospitality positions in Lincoln. Those who met her remarked how friendly and personable she was. She was an encourager and helped tutor women working on GED courses.
Sharla married David Hennecke in 2006. Their son, Rylee, was her pride and joy. Although later divorced they continued to share love and a strong bond.
As a young adult Sharla was able to connect with her birth mother, Jan Dewar, and siblings from Canada. From this she was able to find her First Nation roots.
She enjoyed cruising in her car, riding motorcycles, spending time with friends, and was an avid Raiders fan. While incarcerated she completed a select SAU program and was chosen to create and present a TEDx talk entitled “The Battle Within.” This event was a defining moment in her life.
Due to Sharla’s addiction and diabetic disease, her health and well-being progressively declined. In the last three years she struggled through many hospitalizations and surgeries. She died June 18, 2026, at age 46.
Sharla is survived by husband: David Hennecke, son: Rylee, son: Caleb (adopted by her aunt Linda), parents: Ken and Sharon Dahlenburg, brother: Skylar Dahlenburg (Erin), birth mother: Jan Dewar-Catagas (Larry), birth siblings: Angela, Deidre and William.
She was preceded in death by her beloved grandparents and still born sons, Royce and Royal.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Saturday, July 11, 2026, 11:00 AM at First Free Church, 3280 S 84th St, Lincoln, NE 68506. Memorials can be made to the family for funeral expenses.
The service and on-demand stream will be available at this link: https://vimeo.com/event/6014074