Sharon Busch

Sharon Busch, age 82, of Saint James, Minnesota, died on January 3, 2026, following a courageous battle with Acute Leukemia diagnosed in mid-November 2025. She passed away peacefully surrounded by family at Pleasant View Good Samaritan Society - Saint James.

Visitation will be on Friday, January 16, 2026, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Sturm Funeral Home in Saint James and will continue on Saturday from 10:00 AM until 11:00 AM at First Lutheran Church in Saint James. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at First Lutheran Church in Saint James on Saturday, January 17, 2026, at 11:00 AM. Interment will be at Calvary Cemetery in Saint James. Arrangements are with the Sturm Funeral Home in Saint James. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.sturmfh.com.

Sharon Alva Hansen was born August 20, 1943, to Wilford and Alta (Puck) Hansen in Jackson, Minnesota. She was baptized with her mother, father, and seven siblings when she was twelve years old. She graduated from Jackson High School in 1961 and earned a Bachelor’s Degree from Mankato State University in Home Economics and Education with a Minor in Social Studies. She met Dale Busch during her first year teaching in Tracy, Minnesota. Sharon and Dale were married on December 27, 1966. They just celebrated their 59th wedding anniversary.

In 1968, the couple moved to Saint James. After the birth of their first child, Michael, Sharon made the loving commitment to parenting. During these years, her talents as a seamstress grew, not only designing and making clothing for her children and herself, but in creating items for others. Every August, the highlight of a family trip to the Minnesota State Fair included seeing Sweepstakes awards on the sewing projects she had entered.

In 1980, the family moved to their beloved home 5 miles outside of Saint James, living there for 42 years. They became an active 4-H family. Sharon devoted herself as a 4-H leader, sharing her love of sewing and public speaking with many young people. She volunteered countless hours as she continued to teach and serve.

When their second child, Shannon, was in junior high, Sharon returned to her career in education. She taught Family and Consumer Science and Social Studies at Butterfield-Odin High School for 25 years until her retirement in 2007. During this time, she was a student advisor and an active leader of the school staff. Sharon was honored by community members, fellow professionals, and countless current and former students as an Outstanding Educator upon her retirement.

The birth of her only grandchild, Kendal, in 2006, was one of her greatest joys. It is no surprise that Sharon’s natural abilities to teach are part of the most treasured memories of her granddaughter.

For many years, Sharon enjoyed bowling, playing bridge with special friends, and was an active member of the Christian Women’s Organization. Sharon also treasured large extended family gatherings, hosting annual Thanksgiving celebrations, and travel with Dale and family.

Sharon was proud of nine years of recovery through the end of her life. She shared mutual support with fellows at local homegroups, a local recovery center for women, and the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation.

In 2023, Sharon and Dale moved from their country home to their current residence in Saint James. Sharon treasured this beautiful space while enjoying planting flowers, gardening, reading, volunteering at the Watonwan County Library, and remaining devoted to her Christian faith.

Sharon is lovingly remembered by her husband, Dale Busch of Saint James; son, Michael Busch of Eden Prairie; daughter, Shannon (Blake) Brown of Staunton, Virginia; granddaughter, Kendal Brown; sisters, Sally (Paul) Johnson, Jane Waletzko, Shirley (Mark) Eggimann, Rita (Tom) Romberg, Rose (Brad) Perau, and Merva (Kleber) Jurado; sister-in-law, Jan Hansen; and many nieces and nephews.

Sharon was preceded in death by her parents, Wilford and Alta Hansen; brother, Larry Hansen; brother-in-law, Victor Waletzko; and nephew, Mark Hansen.

The family wishes to extend their gratitude to the Mayo Clinic Rochester Hematology team and the loving staff of the Good Samaritan Society of Saint James and Saint Croix Hospice. Memorials in honor of Sharon are suggested to the American Cancer Society.