Sharon Grace Larson passed away suddenly on Saturday, Nov. 21, 2015, while battling a recurrence of cancer. She died at Abbott Northwestern Hospital in Minneapolis surrounded by her loving family. Sharon was 70 years young.

She resided in Mendota Heights and Baudette, and also spent many enjoyable years in Albert Lea and Port Aransas, Texas.

Sharon was born on Jan. 3, 1945, in Hampton, Iowa, to Gordon and Marguerite Bjerke. She graduated from Albert Lea High School in 1963, and later earned an LPN degree from Rainy River Community College. Although her professional career was brief, she loved being a nurse and was the consummate caregiver throughout her entire life.

Sharon possessed a most rare and beautiful spirit. Her petite stature and delicate persona belied her immense inner strength. She was selfless, with an ever-positive outlook and sunny disposition. Her genuine kindness and always thoughtful regard endeared her to all. Her legacy survives in the remarkable and unique relationships she shared with her family — especially her children. Sharon will be forever loved by her entire family and missed beyond what words can describe.

Sharon was preceded in death by her parents Gordon and Marguerite Bjerke; brother, Max Bjerke; father-in-law, Gilbert Larson; sister-in-law, Jean Waage; and brother-in-law, Michael Waage.

She is survived by her husband, Larry, together for 55 years; daughters Sheila Larson of New York City and Christa (Peter) Witt of Minneapolis; sons Peter (Leah) Larson of Baudette and Neil (Katie) Larson of Pittsburgh; grandchildren Diego and Bruno Witt, Charlotte and Bishop Larson and Lydia Larson; step-grandchildren Jacob, Isaac and Samuel Stephani; siblings Patricia Bjerke and David (Susan) Bjerke; mother-in-law, Harriet Larson; brother-in-law, Jerry (Ellen) Larson; sister-in-law, Cindy (Danny) Lee; niece, Jill (Don) Chantengco; and many other close and loving family members.

Immediate family gathered at First Memorial Edina Funeral Chapel on Nov. 23 for a private remembrance. A celebration of Sharon’s life and internment will be on May 21, 2016.

Sharon and her family have been so very grateful for the many wonderful caregivers at Abbott Northwestern Hospital, Minnesota Oncology of Edina and Allina Home Health Nurses.

Memorials may be directed to The American Cancer Society or to a charity of donor’s choice.