Condolences for

What did I learn from Aunt Sharon? There are a number of things. To be yourself, to not be concerned what others think, be giving, be happy, do what you enjoy and again, don't give it another thought what others think. This past Christmas while visiting with her she said something that i will forever hold in my heart as she sat on the couch in her apartment with her arms around her great niece, Chelsea (my daughter). She said this: What can I do today? What she meant was live today, enjoy today, be you. Whenever I wonder why we couldn't have her with us for awhile longer I am reminded that she truly lived her life for what she enjoyed doing. I will never forget the smiles on her and Chelsea's face as they sat together. No boundaries, just love. Imagine being so proud of being able to do such simple yet recognized things in life. She touched so many. With so much love and respect your niece Cheryl.

Our remarkable Sharon has passed from this life into the peaceful presence of her Creator. It's a mystery why she had the lifetime limitations that made Sharon, Sharon. Because of those limitations, she was subjected to disappointments, emotional pain, criticism, frustration and heartache during her life journey. When her feelings were hurt, she'd shake it off and didn't become bitter or hold a grudge. She would question decisions that were made on her behalf, but like a child, went along with them even tho she didn't understand why she needed to agree. Her standard reply, "I don't know", we felt, was to prevent her from perceived getting into trouble for giving truthful answers to questions. Stan and I knew she did know by the look on her face. We would let it go, thinking she wasn't supposed to tell us. Because of her immature nature, she didn't hold back on her emotioons. Her spontaneous reactions in some social situations, at times, resulted in embarrassment for her. Thankfully, she was accepted for the behavior she exhibited and was included in functions and activities by those who enjoyed her enthusiastic and cheerful company. She was playful and silly and liked to tease. She got a kick out of her own style of humor. Sharon had fun at parades, yelling at the candy throwing participants. When candy was tossed in her direction, she'd scramble along wth the kids, gathering the pieces which she eventually gave to them It wasn't difficult for those who chose to take advantage of Sharon because of her trusting nature and inability to desern what was happening at the time. It was heart-wrenching to see her deal with wondering if she had done something wrong and not being able to understand what caused the man she married to take her for almost everything she had and leave he. Sharon had many ups and downs. She most often managed to overcome her disappointments. The one that lingered was giving birth to a baby girl. Her heart was broken when she couldn't keep her. She named her Sally Ann and every now and then would express how sad she was that she had to give her up. Sharon was aware of her limitations in many areas, but her work ethic wasn't one of them. After being shown or informed what was expected of her, she followed them to the letter. If co-workers were not as precise as they should be, she would inform them of the "rules". She knew they needed to comply with regulations Being employed at Perkins Restaurant from the time they arrived in LaCrosse and remaining there for over 35 years is confirmation of her capability to be a "good worker". For the past several years, Sharon had been a valued and responsible volunteer 2 to 3 times a week at the St. Francis Bakery. She had a lucky streak that brought her true delight when time and again, she became the winner of football pools and tipboards. She even raked in $5000 after finding 2 matching Pepsi bottle caps years ago. There were times her temper would flareup and or she bacame depressed. She could be calmed down and brought out from a funk by those who advocated for her well being and were patient enough to spend time with her to help her through those episodes. After her Dad died, Sharon gave up her downtown apartment and dutifully moved in with her Mother. She assisted financially with bills needed to maintain the "homestead". She adapted well and was very content in the hi-rise apartment she moved into after her Mother's death. She took pride in fixing pork chops and hamburgers, "like my Mother showed me". She could brew a good pot of coffee too. Sharon came to Arizona 2 times while we lived there. The first trip we went to San Diego and spent time walking all over our son, Kyle's ship, a guided missile destroyer that was docked at the Naval Yard. The second time she attended Kyle's wedding. She saw the Grand Canyon as well as other tourist attractions. She also took in a Diamondbacks baseball game. Sharon enjoyed outings with her friends. She took bus trips to Branson, Mo. and Milwaukee for the Brewers games. The Packers were her favorite team and she was a loyal fan. She liked to watch all types of sports shown on T.V. She was fond of animals, and had a special love for kitties and cats. During th 21 years since we left Wisconsin, she never failed to inquire how the dog was in our phone conversations. There have been 4 dogs in succession over that period of time. Other than rides from her sister, Shirley and Aunties Millie and Dolores, Sharon's main means of transportation was on the city bus. She became very familiar with the schedule, route and transfer system. Sharon's Mother was a Gerke, having 11 brothers and sisters, so she had lots of surviving cousins. Every year, in July, there is a family reunion where they spend the day with each other. Less than a week after Sharon's death, a brilliant shooting star flew across thwe darkness of night before dawn right in front of Stan's vision. My interpretation of this event was her farewell to her big brother, letting him know she was o.k., that she loved him and would be seeing him again later on. I choose to picture our deceased son, Steve, greeting his Auntie Sharon with a huge hug as she passed over, welcoming her in joining her parents and the others who went before her. Sharon was a unique sister to Stan and sister-in- law to me. We were saddened by the rapid decline in her health and eventual death. We are grateful to feel Sharon has found the peace she so deserved. "See ya later alligator, after while crcodile." Carol (MacGregor) Beranek

We are truly sorry for your loss and our prayers go out to you in this time of sorry. We were very surprised to hear the news and could not attend the services due to other committments.

So sad to hear of Sharon's passing. I worked with "Speedball" for many years at Perkins Restaurant. She was so much fun. She will be missed.

I am sorry to hear of the passing of your Sister.I am sorry I am unable to attend her services as Harald and I are Florida for the winter. your cousin Marianne

Sharon was such a sweet person and hard worker. I knew her as a volunteer at Franciscan and always admired both her work ethic and faithful smile. Everyone loved her. I will be in Minneapolis tomorrow and unable to attend Sharon's funeral. Shirley, I want you to know that you were a wonderful sister to Sharon. You made it possible for Sharon to be active in the community and to make the transition from living with your mother to living in her own space. Someday, both your mother and Sharon will welcome you "home" to your next life. Until then, do know that you are recognized as both a "faithful servant of the Lord" and as Sharon's "best friend."

We were so sad to hear of Sharon's passing. I am so glad I stopped to visit her when she was at Hillview, we had a nice visit. She was such a sweet person. God Bless you Shirley for being her special friend.