Sharon Schwanke

Sharon Lee Schwanke, 81, of Madelia, died August 6, 2025, at The Beacon in Lake Crystal.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, August 21, 2025, from 4:00-6:30 pm, at Bethel Church in Madelia. A memorial service will be held on Thursday, August 21, 2025, at 6:30 pm, at Bethel Church in Madelia. Arrangements are with Sturm Funeral Home in Madelia. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.sturmfh.com.

Sharon was born June 2, 1944, to Leo and Laura (Klein) Strong in Mankato, Minnesota. She graduated from Garden City High School. On August 19, 1967, she married Arnold Schwanke. Together, they raised two children, Brenda and Michael. They later divorced.

Sharon worked as a blender operator for 33 years at Kraft Foods in New Ulm. She was an avid Minnesota Twins and Viking fan, enjoyed bowling league, was known for her excellent cooking and baking skills, enjoyed feeding and watching the birds, and loved her dachshund dogs dearly. She was happiest when all of her children and grandchildren were with her!

Sharon is survived by her daughter, Brenda Hathaway of Madelia; son, Michael (Krista) Schwanke of Madelia; 5 grandchildren, Paige Hathaway (Jason Sebastian) of Dallas, Texas, Alexander Donth (Kayla Moose) of Brainerd, Minnesota, Nicholas Donth of Brainerd, Minnesota, Tyler (McKenna) Schwanke of Honolulu, Hawaii, and Malia Schwanke (Christian Stephens) of Weatherford, Texas; 4 great-grandchildren, Presley and Parker Sebastian, Leo Donth and Terrance Radman; sisters, MaryAnn (Eugene) Homer, Jeanette Halverson, and Laurell (Wallace) Becker; brothers, Milton (Kitty) Strong, Gary Strong, and Leo Jr. (Barb) Strong; sister in-law, Marilyn Stevens; and many nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews.

Sharon was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Joe (Nadine) Strong and Ronald (Jeanne) Strong; sister, Mary Lee Litchfield; and sister-in-law, Loretta Krosch.