Sharon Kay Schmidt, 83

Sharon Kay Schmidt was born on June 27, 1941, in Stephen Minnesota, and died October 9th, 2024, in Fargo, ND, surrounded by her children. Sharon was the first child of Evelyn and Harry Schmidt, and she grew up on the farm in rural Stephen. She started at the Country School, then continued her education through high school graduation in Stephen, MN. She hated the chickens, loved her childhood best friend Inez, and generally did what was expected of her. She was a good girl, hardworking, smart, funny, strong, creative and kindhearted. She had rickets when she was a child, which would later lead to chronic and devastating back pain from profound scoliosis. She met the love of her life, Allan Nelson, when they were in high school at neighboring schools. She tried to break up with him when she moved to the big city of Moorhead, MN, to attend Concordia College. It didn’t last, however, when he drove to Moorhead, professed his love, and begged for her to take him back. She did, and worked hard to graduate in 3 years with a BA in Home Economics. Sharon and Allan married in June of 1961, and made a home for themselves in Karlstad, MN, where she taught high school home economics. Several moves and a return to college for an Elementary Education degree eventually landed them in West Fargo, ND, where they raised three children- Sheree, Heidi, and Steve. Sharon taught kindergarten for Fargo Public Schools for many, many years. She was often stopped in grocery stores or out in the world by a parent who thanked her for the great start she gave their kids. She was an active member of Faith Journey Lutheran Church in West Fargo, starting and leading the beloved Motion Choir for years, involved with Sister Parish, and after retirement volunteered in the church office. She attended her children’s sporting events, band concerts, and supported them as they made their way into the world. Sharon and Allan were chapter leaders of PFLAG, and national support and advocacy group for Parents, Families, and Friends of Gays and Lesbians. They were brave and open in their support, and marched in the Twin Cities Pride Parade for many years. Sharon was proud of her education career, and after retirement was active with the Retired Teachers Organizations and really loved connecting with folks. She missed the little ones, though, and ran a home day care after retirement. All those relationships brought her much joy. Sharon could throw a mean horseshoe, liked to fish, garden, and read. Sharon had a vibrant smile that lit up every room she entered. She loved going out for lunch. She made friends everywhere she went, chatting with strangers, acquaintances, and old friends alike. She loved her dogs fiercely, and was a champion for vulnerable souls everywhere. Her husband Allan was her lifelong best friend, companion, partner, and co-parent. Together they battled the Parkinson’s disease that Allan fought daily for more than 10 years. Their participation in the Parkinson’s group connected her to spouses going through everything that she was dealing with, including the loss of a spouse. She tried so hard, but she never really recovered from his death. It changed her, leaving her with such a badly broken heart that she seemed physically smaller, somehow diminished. Sharon died of chronic pain complicated by vascular dementia at home surrounded by her children, with the crucial support of Hospice of Red River Valley. Sharon is survived by her children, Sheree Weisz, Heidi Wrenson (Carleen Bedoway), Steve Nelson (Joanne Schultz); four siblings, Crystal (Bill) Davis, Rev. Peter (Vicki) Schmidt, Lynette (Chuck) Kehler, Mike (Deb) Schmidt; four grandchildren, Emerald Weisz, Radek Weisz, Evelyn Wrenson, Ruby Beckman; 11 nieces and nephews, and 20 grandnieces and nephews, all who she tried to keep up with.

Visitation: Friday, October 26, 2024, from 6-7 PM, at West Funeral Home, West Fargo, ND, with a prayer service at  7PM.

Service: Saturday, October 27, 2024, 11:00 AM, at Faith Journey Lutheran Church, West Fargo, ND, with visitation one hour before the service.

Burial: Sunset Memorial Gardens, Fargo, ND.