Our beautiful mother, grandmother, and wife, Sharon Jean Nelson, left this world peacefully on June 3, 2023, with her family at her side at Monroe Manor in Barron. She was 79 years old.

Sharon was born on December 2, 1943, in Rice Lake, to Clarence & Evelyn (Ziebell) Severson.

As a young girl, Sharon loved riding her horse, Pride, around the farm. She enjoyed fishing with her dad and frying up the catch of the day with her mom. Sharon graduated as the Salutatorian from Cameron High School in 1962.

Sharon was a devoted, hard-working farm wife. Whether it was feeding cows, driving tractor, or making endless meals to send out to the fields, she excelled at it. She had a gentle, skilled hand at raising calves.

Sharon was very involved in her community. She was a member of the First Lutheran Church of Arland, where she served on numerous committees. In 1984, she & Vern hosted the Dairy Breakfast at their farm. In 1988, Sharon was recognized as the Barron County Farm Woman of the Year. She was proud to help with Farm Progress Days and was a member of the 4-H Livestock Committee.

Sharon was well known to many for her delicious cooking & baking skills. Many referred to her as “The Bun Lady” because no one could make homemade buns like she could. Her oven was always on, and there were warm buns and butter waiting for anyone who walked through the door. She was an expert at making meatballs for family gatherings and church suppers. She enjoyed growing and freezing sweet corn and green beans. She made the best dill pickled beans in the county, and froze an assortment of jams and berries. There was plenty to go around. No one ever left her house hungry or empty-handed!

Sharon loved to travel with her family and friends. She took countless trips to the mountains out west, especially in Montana. She had an adventurous soul. She drove the Going to the Sun Road through Glacier National Park with ease while Vern sat with a blanket over his head, too scared to even glance over the edge. She would say, “the higher, the better!” Her children have so many special memories of these trips with her. Sharon also traveled to Alaska twice, even going white-water rafting there! In 2015, she & Vern took a trip to Montana just so she could take a helicopter ride around the massive Galt Ranch with the owner. Of course, Vern kept his feet planted firmly on the ground and just watched her fly away.

Sharon’s number one priority in life were her children. No matter what interest or hobby they were involved in, she was fully committed and supportive. Traveling, dogsledding, cattle shows, horseback riding, tractor pulls, sports, etc. As her children started families of their own, Sharon enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and was so proud of all of them.

In her later years, Sharon could often be found cruising around the neighborhood on her beloved John Deere Gator checking crops, cattle, and children. We will sure miss seeing her come down the driveway!

Sharon is survived by her husband, Vern Nelson of Prairie Farm; her five children, Shari (Rick) Fetkenheuer of Trego, Jenny (Tim) Meyer of Cameron, Missy (Jerry) Trcka of Spooner, Marty (Jari) Nelson of Prairie Farm, Brenda (Ryan) Kruger of Clayton; her grandchildren, Jessica Pecha, Chad Posta, Tori Nelson, Julie & Joey Trcka, Hudson, Emerson, & Gibson Nelson, Maddie & Triton Kruger; and great-grandchildren, Gabby, Cole & Cali.

Sharon was preceded in death by her parents and her terrible terrier, Teddy.

A funeral service for Sharon will be held on Thursday, June 8, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. at the First Lutheran Church of Arland. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, June 7, 2023, from 4:00 until 7:00 p.m. at Rausch and Steel Funeral Home in Barron and one hour prior to the service at the church on Thursday morning. A private burial will be held with family at a later date.

Arrangements are being handled by Rausch and Steel Funeral Home in Barron.

Last Update: Jun 07, 2023 11:35 am CDT