Sharon Lois Schwendemann was born March 10, 1938 in Benson, Minnesota, the daughter of Lawrence Palmer and Irene Blanche (Thorson) Knutson. She was baptized and confirmed into the Christian faith at Rolling Forks Lutheran Church in rural Swift Falls, MN. She grew up and attended grade school in Swift Falls. She graduated from Benson High School with the Class of 1956. She was very active in 4-H, was a Dairy Princess, and Homecoming Royalty. After graduation, Sharon moved to Minneapolis, working for the grain exchange. In 1958, she moved home to Swift Falls, taking a job at Swift County Bank. On June 7, 1958, Sharon was united in marriage to William 'Willie' Alfred Schwendemann, Jr. at Rolling Forks Lutheran Church by Rev. Pederson. They were blessed with four children and 36 years of marriage. Willie passed away in 1994. After their marriage, they lived in the De Graff area, and Sharon spent her time as an active housewife until her children were grown. She then went back to work in the secretarial field, working for Don's Flooring, Red-Ball and 20 years for Abner Sales. She retired in 2007. Sharon was a member of the Roaring 20's Homemaker Club. They were exactly that, a group of 20 year old wives, getting together to do projects, play cards and raise their families. These women became life-long friends who were always there for each other. Sharon's pastimes included women's league bowling, claiming many trophies over the 30 years she bowled. She made sure each year she and a few of the grandchildren were always ready to bowl for Hospice. Sharon loved gardening and spending her summers at her cabin on Lake Scandi with children, grandchildren and friends. In the winter, you could always find her sitting at the table, working on a puzzle. She was always busy in the kitchen making sure everyone was well fed and taken care of. Sharon survived the last five years of her life with Atypical Parkinson's Disease. During this time, she lived at Scofield Place in Benson, Green Gables in Murdock and Homestead North in Benson. All her caregivers were so kind and gave her the best of care. She remained very independent and strong willed to the end. She was called from this life on Thursday, April 21, 2011 at the age of 73 years, 1 month, and 11 days. Sharon is survived by her children: Kim (Randy) Skare of Willmar, Kevin (Gerri Kay) Schwendemann of De Graff, Kathy (Corey) Dokkebakken of Kerkhoven and Scott (Melissa) Schwendemann of De Graff; eleven grandchildren: Taylor and Tessa Skare, Allie (Chris Rooney), Erin and Jake Schwendemann, Cody, Jared and Jordan Dokkebakken, Kendra, Kristen and Kyle Schwendemann; one great grandson, Austin Rooney; her sister, Linda (Burt) Pritchard of Bigfork; nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends. Preceding her in death were her husband, Willie; her parents; and a sister in infancy.