"We were so sorry to hear of Sharon?s death. We enjoyed talking with her on our visits to Mayo. She always made our day better. You are all nestled in our thoughts and prayers. To live in the hearts of those we leave behind is to never die."
In loving memory of
Sharon Krom
August 27, 1943 - January 22, 2020
Sharon Rose Krom, 76, of Rochester, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, January 22, 2020 at her home.
Sharon was born August 27, 1943 in Byron, MN to Merton and Marjorie (Schmeisser) Bartel. She was a 1961 graduate of Byron High School. On May 29, 1962 in Byron, Sharon married Richard Krom. Sharon had a love of learning about history and sharing her knowledge with others. She was the Treasurer of the Veterans and Emergency Service Museum, a member of the Veteran's Roundtable, program director of the Civil War Roundtable, helped organize local hero events in Rochester and took great pride in starting the Living History Fair at the Olmsted Historical Society, a Civil War themed event. Sharon and her husband, Richard also published a book titled; The First MN...Second to None. She was generous with her time by volunteering for 17 years at Madonna Towers, teaching Sunday school for countless years, hosting Bible studies in their home, small groups at church or helping her son, Jim at James Krom Natural Images, every day since 1991. Sharon was a 32-year member of Holy Cross Lutheran Church. She was a wonderful storyteller and loved nature. Sharon had a no nonsense but positive attitude. She was a personal cheerleader for others, helping in their time of need and building others up. Sharon always wanted the spotlight on others and was a servant leader. She had a deep love and appreciation for her family and the time they spent together.
Sharon is survived by her loving husband of 57 years, Richard; children, Kathy (Ron) Kasten of Rochester, Jim Krom of Rochester; grandchildren, Victoria (Ben) Tecken, Ian Krom and great-grandchildren, Tristan, Vesper and River. Sharon is also survived by her siblings, Forest (Shirley) Bartel, Milly (Pat) Kelly, Casey (Mary) Bartel, Larry Bartel, Dan (Sue) Bartel; numerous nieces and nephews and a host of other family and friends. Sharon was preceded in death by her great-granddaughter, Seraph; sisters, Evelyn Quam, Shirley Bartel; brothers, Ben and Bill Bartel and by her parents.
A service to celebrate Sharon's life will be held 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, January 28, 2020 at Holy Cross Lutheran Church, 2703 9th Ave. NW, Rochester. Visitation will be held 5:00-8:00 p.m. Monday, January 27, 2020 at Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home, 5421 Royal Place NW, Rochester and one hour prior to the service at the church. Pastor Jeff Niederstadt will be officiating with burial at Oakwood Cemetery.
Memorials can be directed to: Veterans & Emergency Services Museum.
Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Krom family; to share a special memory or condolence, please visit www.ranfranzandvinefh.com
Tributes
"I found out today when @ Mayo for my quarterly visit that Sharon had unexpectedly passed away. I am heartbroken for Jim & family, and all who had the honor of knowing Sharon. For the last 7 years of my traveling there from Nebraska, we have visited with Sharon and Jim on every trip. She was such a wonderful lady whom always had a warm hug and with whom we have shared many stories/conversations with about family, art, music, community theater, and faith. I will never forget when we found out that she had purchased the first cast ?Colt? Sandhills Crane chick statue from Jim?s gallery. I shared with her about going out to see the Great Crane Migration on the Platte River each year here in Nebraska. I will have the opportunity to watch the cranes lift off from the river next month from a blind in the early morning hours and had hoped to share pictures with her on my next visit to Mayo in May...I will definitely share them with Jim:) Rest In Peace, Sharon. I am so thankful to have gotten to know you over the last 7 years?? Your family will be in our thoughts & prayers for strength, comfort, & peace."
"Remembering my beautiful Mom - a woman who showed Christ's love to others every day through hugs, smiles and encouraging words. She was a gift and a light. Today she celebrates the day of love with the one who loved her most of all - Christ. Until we meet again dear Mom, you are ever in my heart."
"I always remember her smile! It was always there, like she was, always there. Remember, she will always be right there, next to all of you. Watch for her little signs, maybe a feather, or nickel. "
"My sincere sympathies to you Jim and your family. We're wintering in Florida when we learned of your loss. I'm the volunteer/host that usually greeted you and your mother on days that I was doing that down in the subway level/your store area. May time heal the sorrow you now share in your loved ones passing and soon bring comfert & consolation to all. Cordially, Louie Bortolon Experience Rochester Volunteer "
"Oh my, we are so sorry that God has reclaimed Sharon. Most certainly we will miss seeing her big smile at the flea markets. Please know of our love, hugs and prayers."
"Sharon and I did not know each other well. We became acquainted in the last few years through the History Center of Olmsted County. We had the fun of being "models" in a historic clothing fashion show. We encounted one another at a Hanger Dance or two. We discussed the Veterans and Public Safety Museum that she was so committed to creating. So, while we did not have a deep or long friendship, I was saddened to see that she had left us unexpectedly. I was always impressed with her kind, generous, warm smile, and welcoming approach. She seemed to deeply kind and gracious. I looked forward to seeing her. So, please do know that she had an impact on many people who send very sincere condolences to her entire family. Sheila Kiscaden"
"Although I've known her for years in the Gallery, I didn't know her first name. She was Jim's MOM. She was a great welcome person in the Gallery. Always a cheerful, positive face to greet you. My deepest sympathy to the family . Bill Siggelkow"
"So blessed to have met this lovely Christian lady. You could see he love for him in her warm and loving smile. My sincere condolences to her daughter Kathy, husband Dick, and the entire family. Prayers and thoughts are with you at this time."
"Sharon always recognized me in the subway when I walked by the studio. She was so very kind to everyone sh helped in the store. Always willing to help answer questions that anyone had. She was a sweetie with the biggest smile. I will always see her in the store smiling down on her amazing family. My sympathies to your family. Laurie Reed from the wood carving club. "
"Sharon was 'Second to None' when it came to a welcoming spirit. The obituary picture of her is a perfect memory for me; big warm smile and a name tag announcing her joy at seeing me at the RCWRT meetings. I will miss the hugs for sure... My thoughts are with you Dick during this time. You two were such a great team and an inspiration to all of us retired couples. "
"Dear Krom Family, we are so sorry for your sudden loss. We hope that you are comforted by the love and prayers of your friends and family. Chuck and Nita Wallace"
"Look no farther for a delightful, kind and caring human being. My memories of Sharon will include her hearty wave and radiant smile as she rode her lawn tractor while mowing her lawn. I am so very sorry to hear this sad news and hold the wonderful Krom family in my heart."
"I was shocked by the news about Sharon, and will miss her great smiles and warm hugs dearly. It's difficult to find the words to express my condolences to you, her family. I am confident, however, that this temporary separation from her will be followed by an eternity together with her, with our God, and with all believers in Him. I can picture Sharon now at heaven's gates welcoming each new person with a great big smile and a very warm hug. May God comfort you during this time of separation from Sharon."
"Oh Sharon! Your bright smiles and tender hugs will be dearly missed by everyone. We are weeping over this loss for all who love you so very much. Rejoicing at your face to face glory with Jesus! - Scott &Wendy Dieter"
"My great aunt?s passing has hit me more hard then i thought it would . Sharon was a big part of my life . She was my birthday twin , every year the past 23 years she would send me a nice little card & tell me how much she loves sharing a birthday with me . She loved when i did something cool with my hair . She loved seeing pictures of my kitties . She loved that i always took the time out of my day to come see her & my cousin Jim when i was able to go downtown , i loved catching up with her everytime . She encouraged me to do so much in my life my whole life , she wanted to see me succeed . She was always so proud of me & would always remind me how much i matter . She had the biggest , most caring heart i?ve ever seen . Seeing / hearing all these wonderful things about her from people truely warms my heart , just to know how much of an impact she made on peoples lives . I will forever love you Sharon , my birthdays will never be the same without you . Til we meet again my angel??"
"Our hearts and prayers go out to Dick, Jim, all family, and the many, many people touched by the love, grace and caring kindness Sharon shared with us. Condolences in this time of sorrow. Mark and Patty Clancy"
"Oh wow, Sharon's death has hit me hard. Every Sunday, I could always count on her care and hugs. She has blessed me for many years, along with Dick's support, too. Praying for God's obvious presence and peace to Dick, Jim, Ian and family as they go through this grieving season."
"Such a lovely Christian lady! Deep heartfelt sympathy to her daughter, Kathy, husband, Dick and the entire family. Praising our Lord for her life and the legacy of love she gave all of us. "
"Sharon always had a smile on her face and love in her heart. I am going to miss my Sunday morning Sharon hugs. Rest peaceful in Gods arms."
"My sincere condolences, thoughts and prayers for Sharon's family. Sharon was a delightful person -- positive and gracious to everyone she met. I remember with appreciation many conversations with Sharon and Dick about historical activities. Blessings to Sharon's memory for a life well lived!"
"What a wonderful lady she was! It was always a pleasure to meet her. Our deepest condolences to Dick and her family."
"With love and hugs to you all, which she so generously shared every Sunday at church. Sharon was a beautiful woman who will be deeply missed. She is spreading her joy in heaven with the Lord by her side. Prayers lifted for your comfort and peace during this time of grief."
"Sharon greeted me so lovingly every time I saw her. She was Dick's partner in such a great way. She will be greatly missed. God be with her family, especially Dick."