Sharon Joy (Olson) Afdahl, age 79, died peacefully in her home at Red Cedar Canyon Assisted Living on Tuesday, August 19, 2025 Sharon was born to Bert and Alice (Haas) Olson on December 15, 1945 and grew up on their family farm south of Baldwin, WIShe attended Oak Grove country school and St. Croix Central schools, graduating in1964. Lovely even as a teenager, Sharon was Miss Hammond in 1964. She continued her education, trained to be a Radiology Technician at Luther Hospital in Eau Claire, WI, later at Baldwin Community Memorial Hospital and River Falls Area Hospital in both Radiology and Mammography. Sharon had a way of caring for both the patients’ physical needs while also attending to their emotional care.
On June 10, 1967 Sharon joyfully married Gerald Afdahl at Peace Lutheran Church in Baldwin, WI. They began farming on the Afdahl family dairy farm south of Hammond, where they raised their family. Sharon was active in Pleasant Valley Homemakers, Valley Victors 4-H and Women’s Ministry at Trinity Lutheran Church in Hammond.
The couple had three children: Kari, Kurt and Karol. Sharon was born to be a mom and later a grandma, and loved nothing more than family time. Camping trips, birthday parties, holidays and playing games together brought her joy and created wonderful memories for all.
Throughout her life, Sharon was a living example of “Love one another”. She called people to check in, sent cards and made countless hot dishes and Scotcheroos for those needing a little love. There was always time for a cup of coffee and a chat about your day.
Sharon is survived by her loving husband Gerald of 58 years, her children Kari (Stefen Thielke), Kurt (Autumn Maier) and Karol (Aaron Danielson); her grandchildren Callie (Chase Miller), Anna (Ben Gilbert), Linsie, Kiara, Bryn, Kelsey, Braden, Alec, Mayme and Iyla; her brother Dave Olson, brothers and sisters-in-law Roger Olson, Marilyn Afdahl, Diane and Jim Martin; as well as many nieces and nephews.
Sharon was preceded in death by sisters Beverly Olson, Marilyn Olson, sister-in-law Joanie Olson and brother-in-law Don Afdahl, as well as her parents Bert and Alice Olson and in-laws, Archie and Mayme Afdahl.
Visitation was on Thursday, September 4, 2025 from 4-8 pm and on Friday, September 5, 2025 from 10-11 am at Trinity Lutheran Church 1250 Broadway Street Hammond, WI. A Celebration of Sharon’s Life was held Friday, September 5, 2025 at 11 am Trinity Lutheran Church followed by a luncheon at the church. Interment was in Pleasant Valley Cemetery. The family invites all to come celebrate the joyful life that Sharon lived. Arrangements are with Bakken-Young Funeral & Cremation Services.
25 Comments
Our prayers are with the family. May you feel GOD’S presence and comfort.
My deepest sympathy and prayers for Jerry and the family. Saying goodbye is so hard, but, our faith tells us Sharon is now finally free of pain and at peace. God be close and comfort all of you at this time.
My sincere sympathy, Jerry, and all your family. It’s so sad to hear of Sharon’s passing. May her memory be a blessing to you all.
Jerry & Family
We were sad to hear of Sharon’s passing. We have many good memories of you both, all the class reunions, all the parades when our girls were in the Miss Hammond Pageant, all the Senior Lunches. Sharon was just like her name JOY!!!
Rest In Peace Dear Friend.
Jerry & Family
Our sympathies to Sharon’ family on this sad ocassion. Glenda will miss sharing with her classmate that she’s know the longest. Rest in peace, Sharon.
Sharon was the first person to invite us to coffee when we visited Trinity Lutheran. It began a long list of memories for us. We send our sympathy in the loss of this dear lady.
My sincere sympathy, Jerry, to yu and all your family. I was sad to hear of Sharon’s passing. Very sweet lady. Sincerely, Judy Lindstrom
So sorry for your loss. We are thinking of you.
Thinking of everyone as you deal with the loss of this very special family member. Sharon showed grace and love of her family whenever we had a chance to visit. It has been a pleasure to know Sharon over the many years of interacting with the Afdahl family. Please accept my sincere condolences.
We are so heartbroken over Sharon’s passing. Sharon was truly a special person! We loved her kindness, generosity and sense of humor. I have been remembering the many times she “got me” since I was so gullible and she was so darn believable! Jerry and family, you are in our prayers and thoughts. Praying for God’s comfort and peace to surround you all at this time. With love, John and Darcy
Oh Jerry……our daughter, Kathleen, sent me word of Sharon’s passing. I’m so sorry to hear this and wish to pass on my heartfelt condolences to you and your family. Hang on to your previous memories.
I Love You, Aunt Sharon. Thank You for being kind and good to me. You’ve been such a ray of sunshine in my life, a Blessing I will always be grateful for! God will take good care of you.. To Jerry, Kari, Karol, Kurt and family: I am so sorry and send my Kindest Regards to each of you…
🙏❤️
Dear Jerry and family
We were so sorry to hear of Sharon’s passing. We have been praying for your family’s peace and comfort. Karen will miss their laughs and conversation. We will both miss our visits and time spent together.
Sharon was such a kind, loving person. She was one of the first people to welcome us to Trinity. Mom, Grandma, Friend – She will be missed. Condolences to the Afdahl Family.
Jerry sorry for your loss
Our sympathy to Jerry and family.When we think of Sharon it’s always with a smile.Her sense of humor always got us.Many good memories and stories,Rest in peace you will be missed.😇
I am so sorry for your loss. I have fond memories of Sharon. She was capable, friendly and beautiful. I am so glad she and I got to sit next to each other at our 60th class reunion. We had a good visit. She was definitely one of my best “Hammond” friends.
Dear Jerry and family. I am so sorry to hear of Sharon’s passing . I remember birthday parties at her house and later all the phone calls. Also, it was nice to visit and have coffee and Girl Scout cookies with you and Sharon. No matter what, she always had that great sense of humor. Prayers are with you.
Jerry and family,
Heaven gained another of Trinity Lutheran Church’s angels. Sharon was always there with a smile and helping hands. Let’s cherish the memories we have of Sharon. God bless.
Lord: Thank You for Sharon! Your selfless servant of grace, caring and love. Always with an open heart and hand; a place at the table, a ready bed , and open phone line to her world . The Spirit live on.
I graduatrd from sunday school and confermation with her. I enjoyed my time with her and Jerry.
Dear Jerry and family,
I am sorry to hear of Sharon’s passing and regret we can not attend her services. She was such a kind and thoughtful woman. She made mammograms as easy as possible. She will be missed ,
Love and prayers ,
Kathy Farah and Tom Weishaar
Our deepest sympathies to Jerry and family. Sharon was a wonderful friend and always a great sense of humor. She will be greatly missed by all.
I am so sorry for your loss. Sharon and I followed a similar path in life. She was a very special woman. My prayers for Jerry and family❤️
You are My sunshine! Rest in Peace my beautiful friend. It was my privilege and honor to know you and care for you. I love you and the family and you are dearly missed. I will always remember your kindness and loving spirit. Thank you for everything..
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