Sharon Marie Hansen Stender

Sharon Marie Hansen Stender, age 71, of Colfax Wis., passed away on May 1, 2019, after a 12-year battle with cancer.

Born in Henry, S.D., to Harold and Jeanette Hansen, Sharon was destined to be a educator and a lifelong learner. Sharon began her education journey as the top student in her elementary class of one. Fearing no challenge, Sharon went on to become valedictorian of her graduating class at Henry High School in 1965. Sharon completed her Undergraduate work at Northern State University and then continued to South Dakota State where she completed a Masters Degree in English Literature.

On June 7, 1970, Sharon married the love of her life, Chuck Stender, in Watertown, S.D. Together they began their married life in Spearfish, S.D., where Sharon taught at Lead High School. After a short period, they moved to Thermopolis, where Sharon worked as a Math and English teacher at Hot Springs County High School. During her time as a teacher, Sharon was active in many student organizations such as Close-up and she was the Speech and Debate coach.

In 1999, Sharon retired from teaching and moved to Custer, S.D., for a short time and then onto Colfax, Wis., to be near their son, Matt and his children. While in retirement, Sharon kept busy in the Menomonie area working at the Wisconsin Credit Union and volunteering at Stepping Stones Food Pantry.

Sharon enjoyed spending time with her family, reading, traveling to her cabin near Lake Holcombe, and traveling to see her family and friends. Sharon's true joy was her grandchildren. She loved passing down stories and traditions as well as teaching the next generation how to cook (including the art of making lefse), make tie blankets, and cross stitch.

Sharon is survived by her husband, Chuck; sons, Matt (Becky) of Menomonie, and Scott (Stacy) active in the United States Coast Guard; grandchildren, Tessa, Blaine, Aliyah, Tori, Colt and Jaxon; and siblings, Gary (Karen) Hansen, Milan (Linda) Hansen, Tanis (Roosevelt) Hansen.

She is preceded in death by her parents and daughter-in-law Farrah Stender.

A memorial to honor Sharon's life was held at Olson Funeral Home in Menomonie, Wis., on Tuesday, May 7.