Sharon died at her home on Sunday, July 24, 2022 with Gary, the love of her life, by her side.
Sharon Kay Gilbertson was born March 1st, 1951, in Preston Minnesota. Her parents are Edwin (deceased) and Laura (Hanenberer) Gilbertson.
Sister Patsy, Brother Raymond, Sister Karen, Brother Tom, Kathy, Brother Gary Joe (deceased), Brenda, Brother Dewey, Tammy, Brother Kenny Dean, Teresa.
Sharon married Gary Dean Gullickson on November 25th, 1967, in Kasson, Minnesota.
Sharon and Gary have two sons, Billy Joe of Kasson, and Bobby Joe of Kasson. Sharon’s family was very important to her. She loved each of them. Like Sharon would say, To the Moon And Back!
Her love never wavered, they were her life. From daughter-in-law, Robin to her grandchildren, Devon Joe, Brittnee Marie, (Shadow), Brooke Skylar, (Spider), Kaylee Ray, (Scooter), to their great grandson Cruze Dean, (Speed). Sharon loved each of them. I think Grandpa Gary helped with the nicknames. In fact, he gave them the names on the very day they were born. Gary told me, there was something about each the first time I laid eyes on them. Something stood out and the nicknames fit each of them. Sharon worked at Crenlo in Rochester for 11 years. Sharon then went to IBM for 30 years. Most of that time was on the 3rd shift. Sharon was very dedicated to her job. She gave everything she had for her job and went at it with the same love she showed her family and others in her life.
Sharon loved life and all it had to offer. She loved a good challenge. She enjoyed being in a boat. She loved the water, but also feared it. Sharon loved camping, fishing, being around a warm fire with family and friends, and a cold beer was available. Anything with family and friends was ok with Sharon. She treasured every minute.
Sharon was a gentle person who was truly the caregiver. She helped many elderly people over the years. Sharon was always the one to offer help to most who needed it. If Sharon liked you, you never had to question her loyalty. If she loved you, there would be no greater bond. Sharon always put others first.
Sharon enjoyed going with Gary to all Veteran events. She enjoyed going to high schools with Gary when he talked to kids. They traveled many places to tell kids about Gary’s time in the Marine Corps and his time in Vietnam. Sharon was very proud of Gary and his many accomplishments, doing for Veterans, their families and folks in need. Gary always watched Sharon and her response to the things going on.
Sharon was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2018. She took that challenge the same as all the others, head on, straightforward and with a thirst for life, most have never seen. Gary told me, I think I’ve seen courage, I’m sure I have, but I ain’t never seen anyone with the courage Sharon has. Sharon is a true warrior. Even in the worst of days, she always had a smile and would always ask, how are you doing?
Billy Joe and Bobby Joe were so happy and proud of their mother. She showed them the courage she hoped they had. It had to come from Sharon, no one gives a gift like that. It was decided Sharon and Devon Joe would share the first dance. The song was picked by Sharon and Gary. The Righteous Brothers, Unchained Melody was the song. Sharon and Devon Joe held each other as the moved together. It was a wonderful thing to see. Then, Gary walked over, hugged Devon Joe, then turned to Sharon. Gary held her so tightly and together they shared a very special moment in time. It was just Sharon and Gary, reliving old times and sharing the special dance.
God was smiling.
Each person who witnessed this very special moment, will not soon forget.
Sharon’s wishes were not to have a service.
Sharon’s love for family and friends was from the heart and unconditional. Times of laughter and times of tears you were always there for me and my girls. Although our paths separated us in different parts of the states, we picked up right where we left off on my return to Kasson. I will never forget you and will miss you something awful my friend. You are a special kind of lady whose shoes will be hard to fill. I know that you are at peace with the arms of our Lord around you, till we meet again. I love you.
When I think of Sharon I think of the absolute sweetest, kindest, bravest person I have ever know. Sharon loved and was very devoted to her family, friends and her career. She loved life..Sharon always had kind words and a smile for everyone.Yes, Sharon was a special lady who will remain in all of our hearts forever. Love you and miss you my dear friend. Till we meet again….
GARY AND FAMILY
MY PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU AT THIS TIME OF YOUR LOSS
GOD BE WITH YOU
The world lost a wonderful light. Thank you Sharon for all those years of friendship and support at IBM. I’ll never forget your smile and laughter. I’m so happy we had a chance to reconnect last year and talk. To Billy, Bobby, and Gary – so very sad for your loss. I remember like yesterday hanging out at the house in the summers, and after school. And always being told ‘shhh, Mom’s sleeping, she worked last night’. She was a true inspiration, and was personally one of my favorite people in my world. God Bless Gullickson Family. – Fred
I have known and grew up with Sharon and all her brothers and sisters. All of them were and are such wonderful people. Even though I haven’t seen Sharon for years, I have been updated on her illness through my sister. So I had been praying for her, and her family ever since Sharon’s diagnosis.
I am so very sorry for the families loss, and I am praying for God’s comfort and peace during this difficult time.
I understand that Sharon gave her life to Christ, therefore I know she is now safely in the arms of our Savior. There is no better place to be. Eternal life with Him.