Sharon Denil

Sharon E. (Rathmann) Denil, January 26, 1952-August 19, 2009. Sharon's life was foreshortened by melanoma but her spirit and joyful approach to life will live on. Many milestones marked her journey through life. Sharon loved, appreciated, understood and accepted the differences of people and their personalities. If you could "pun" with her you were matching wits with the best. Sharon's interest in coaching and advising young people started with her sister, Karen. Karen mentioned some 12-year-old boys were paying attention to her and she was going to tell them to "get lost" in an undiplomatic way. Sharon suggested that rather than hurting someone's feelings it would be better to tell them you are not interested right now, but, would be glad to have them as a friend. After all, 12 year-old boys are learning and are sensitive too. Moreover, 12-year-old boys DO grow up and become much more interesting, handsome, etc. and you just might want to get to know them as more than a friend later in life. As a social worker in the Adult and Child Protective Services in Manitowoc and Outagamie counties 1974-1980, she specialized in working as an advo...[more]

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e for those who could not defend themselves, which was focused on the youth and elderly. Sharon continued her advocacy and focus on youth in a myriad of ways: Sybaquay Girl Scout Council 91 Leader for Daisy's, Brownies and Juniors, Crystal Lake School District 47, Referendums for new elementary schools, South Elementary, Supports of South, (PTA), Room 1991-1997 (multiple rooms simultaneously); Lundahl Jr. High, Room Mother, Chaperon; Crystal Lake District 155 High School, Football concession 1996-2000, Band Uniform Mom (they better be turned in right!); St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, Religious Education 1991-2002 (Kindergarten and 5th grade), Women's Group Assistant; Teacher in child development center for 18 months before her illness. Sharon was also a professional realtor 1995-1998. Sharon was a lifetime member of the Preceptor Zeta Beta Chapter of Beta Sigma Phi a service sorority oriented helping others in the community. She held numerous positions from President to Social Chare. As all things in life, she felt strongly about helping those in need. By far Sharon's greatest accomplishment and sense of pride was her family. She cherished her beloved husband, Peter, whom she married in 1976. They became soul mates and best friends in their joint journey through life. Peter was her rock from beginning to end. Son, Brendan, was born in 1980 followed by daughters, Erin, Patricia and Ashley. As their family grew, so did their adventures when they lived in Green Bay, Appleton, Pennsylvania (living on land allegedly inhabited by Jim Croce's ghost), Michigan and Illinois, with most summer weekends spent in Door County. Sharon continued her child advocacy by "adopting" many of her children's friends as a second Mom. She opened her heart and her home by embracing, counseling, disciplining and loving them. Their home was filled with love, laughter, food and fun. No one ever went hungry at Shari's. Sharon's love and compassion didn't stop with her own family; it extended to include all of Peter's family. Whether it was a holiday, summer weekend, wedding, hoe down, or family reunion she was ready to celebrate, cook, dance, boat and jet-ski, motorcycle with Peter and friends, or just have fun in general enjoying a campfire. Her hearty laugh was music! Sharon is survived by her husband, Peter; son, Brendan; daughters, Dr. Erin (Jason} Denil; granddaughter and sunshine-of-her life, Virginia Rose, Patricia; Ashley (boyfriend Erik). She is furthered survived by siblings, Ron (Pat) Rathmann, Stuart Rathmann, Karen (Alex) Van Vierssen; nieces & nephews, Kristin (Mark), Ashley, Lauren (Howard) Berkof, Danielle Van Vierssen and Nicholas Van Vierssen. Peter Denil's family, Norbert (Catherine) Denil, Mary (Donne) Anderson, John (Carol) Denil, David (Donna) Denil; nieces & nephews, Mark Denil, Elizabeth (Jack) Gavin, Sally Denil, Kathy (David) Erickson, Carole (Jim) Mintz, Susan (Ken) Schultz, Kim (Mark) Sponem, Rochelle (David) Laverdierre, Shane (Lori) Denil, Christopher (Alison) Denil, Nicole Denil and Timothy Shilling. She was preceded in death by her parents Virginia (Delano) and Donald Rathmann; in-laws Joseph and Isabelle (VanDreel) Denil. Join our celebration of Sharon's life---- Friends may call from 10 A.M. to 1 P.M., Saturday, August 22, 2009 at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, 1023 McHenry Avenue, Crystal Lake, IL where a funeral mass will be held at 1:00 p.m. Visitation will also be held from 4 to 8 P.M., Sunday, August 23, 2009 at Lyndahl Funeral Home, Green Bay, WI. Burial will be at Allouez Catholic Cemetery Monday at 11 a.m. Download or view the memorial video by clicking here.