"I loved her. She was my sister-in-law & dear friend. Mary Jane Atwell"
In loving memory of
Sharon Aalfs
July 17, 1949 - August 1, 2020
Sharon Aalfs, 71, of Coulter, Iowa, passed away, Saturday, August 1, 2020, at her home in Coulter, Iowa. She was born July 17, 1949, in rural Hardin County, Iowa to John and Katie (Hoodjer) Harms. Sharon was baptized on October 16, 1949, at the St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Wellsburg, Iowa, and confirmed on March 17, 1963, at the Zion St. John's Lutheran Church in Sheffield, Iowa.
Sharon graduated from Wellsburg High School in Wellsburg, Iowa. She was married to John L. Aalfs on November 18, 1972, at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Wellsburg. John passed away on September 21, 1991, in Lumberton, North Carolina. Sharon lived in Hardin City and attended Robertson country school till 4th grade, then they moved to Iowa Falls. In 6th grade, the family moved to Sheffield. Her father retired and they moved to Wellsburg in the middle of her Junior year. That's where she met John. Sharon worked several places around the area and Eldora, where she and John bought a house. In 1978 they were blessed with a daughter, Carie. In 1986 they bought a house and moved to Coulter. John wanted Sharon to be closer to her sisters since he was gone a lot in the truck. Sharon went to different places to meet John on the weekends if he didn't make it home. Riding in the truck was nothing new for them, many holidays and weeks spent with him in the truck. They saw much of the country from those big front windows in the truck. Sharon learned how to tarp loads too.
In her spare time, she cooked meals for fundraisers for the Coulter Community Center, and later cooked for the Over 60's in Latimer till her health gave out.
Building the log cabin by the river was a great delight for Sharon. They planned to live out her and John's goal in life to live in a log home in Oregon for health reasons. Since she was alone it turned out to be along the Iowa River by Iowa Falls. Many memories were made down at the cabin.
Times changed and Sharon had to raise her grandchildren since 2001. They gave her a reason to live and put a spark in her life. Not always good ones. Through good times and bad times, the love for them never left and she always held them close to her heart.
As a child growing up Sharon remembered having several dogs, cats, and even a horse. She always had a love for animals. Dachshunds found a special place in her heart, everyone was special.
Sharon is survived by her daughter Carie Aalfs of Aplington, grandson Johnathon Aalfs of Coulter, granddaughter Katyann Aalfs of Coulter, significant other Chester Neubauer of Coulter, brother Gene (Shirley) Harms of Baraboo, Wisconsin, brother Wendell Harms of Anaheim, California, brother Roger (Diane) Harms of Bella Vista, Arkansas and many nieces and nephews.
Sharon is preceded in death by her parents, husband, special friend Mel Seidel, brothers John Ervin, Duane, sisters Deloris Cunningham, Imogene Furman, and Caroline Kruse.
Visitation will be held Thursday, (Aug. 6), from 5-7 p.m. at the Sietsema Vogel Funeral Home in Hampton.
Private services will be held at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Wellsburg.
Tributes
"I had many fun times with Sharon. She had a robust personality and great sense of humor. RIP my friend. Mona Storm."
"We are so sorry to hear of Shari's passing. She was a good person and a good friend. We will miss seeing her. Our sympathy and thoughts are with you. Joe and Jeanette Kirschbaum "
"My grandma was the greatest grandma I've ever had. she was strong. She was always there for me in the tough times. seeing her smile every day would make my day. Now she is up in heaven with papa and snoop and the rest of the family. I love you and miss you grandma you are in a better place now. love you granddaughter Katyann "
"Although my heart is sad, a smile comes to my face knowing that Mom and Sharon can now have their daily chats in heaven. Chats about their day - advice - recipes - Family dinners - holiday gatherings. just about anything! We will miss you Aunt Sharon. May you rest In Peace. Jill, Roger and family"
"Hi ! This is Ann Schriever and I am a classmate of Sharon. I have been thinking of her as knew she had been on oxygen and her health had not been very well for some time. I will miss her as we were good friends in school and even earlier as we both went to the St. Paul's Lutheran Church together before she moved to Wellsburg. I often see John's grave there at St. Paul's Lutheran Church's graveyard where my parents are also buried. Anyway, Sharon was a wonderful lady and I will miss her. --Ann (Ascher) Schriever"