Watch Sharon's Funeral Mass

Sharon K. Spaeth, age 82, of Mahnomen, MN, died Thursday, December 28, 2023, at her home under the loving care of her family and Essentia Health Hospice.

Sharon Kay VanDenEinde was born June 14, 1941, in Mahnomen, MN, the daughter of Marvin and Petrina "Patsy" (Sakrismo) VanDenEinde.  She grew up in Mahnomen and graduated from Mahnomen High School with the Class of 1959.  On April 29, 1961, Sharon was united in marriage to the love of her life, George Spaeth, at St. Michael's Catholic Church in Mahnomen. The young couple lived in Mahnomen for a short time before moving northeast of town for several years followed by a move in 1972 to the farmstead, they still called home.  George passed away unexpectedly on August 3, 2018, and Sharon continued to live in their home.

Throughout their 57 years of an extraordinary marriage, George and Sharon shared many things including their devotion to one another, eight children, their love for many things like dancing, playing cards, and friendly gardening competitions.  Sharon helped George around the farm with the day-to-day chores like milking, harvest, being the parts runner, and bookkeeper in addition to cooking, cleaning and tending to the children.  She always had meals and baked goods ready to take to the field or to gather around the table at the end of the day. Whatever was on the menu, including wild game George or the kids brought home, it was sure to be delicious.  Always having her family's well-being in mind. Sharon sold Shaklee products and was a firm believer in them. She was also certified in Reflexology.

Sharon had the most beautiful, weed free, garden that produced abundantly.  She enjoyed being outdoors, gardening, mowing and was known to go through a few weed trimmers to keep her yard looking immaculate. Day in and day out she continued to keep her household moving forward all while making it look effortless. Sharon had a true servant's heart and would do anything for anyone. That's how she approached each and every day, with a willingness to serve all who entered her home. Her warm home and kind heart seemed to always attract extra family and friends who would stay the night, weekend or even the summer. During which Sharon showed them a hard work ethic, love and generosity.  She always believed in her family and what they could accomplish. Sharon was the most loving and patient person you will ever know. She was a great listener and was always willing to offer encouragement and gentle advice. Family was everything to her and she truly loved being a wife, mom and grandma. Above all Sharon had an unending love and devotion to her husband, children and grandchildren. They were her world. She will be greatly missed but will live on in the many hearts of family and friends.

Sharon is survived by six sons: Michael (Bobbi Sue) of Eau Claire, WI, Andrew of Mahnomen, Thomas (Lori) of Moorhead, MN, William (Tracy) of Hawley, MN, Howard of Dilworth, MN, and George (Julie) of Sabin, MN; two daughters, Theresa (Kevin) Podlak of Waubun, MN, and Christine Spaeth of Mahnomen; 27 grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; one brother, David (Maureen) VanDenEinde of Bejou, MN; one sister, Mylla (Will) Marwitz of St. Joseph, MN; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, and one grandson, Charlie Evan.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 2:00 pm on Friday, January 5, 2024, at St. Michael's Catholic Church in Mahnomen, MN.  Visitation will be held on Thursday, January 4, 2024, from 5:00-7:00 pm with a Prayer Service at 6:30 pm at St. Michael's Catholic Church, Mahnomen. Visitation will continue one hour prior to the Funeral Mass at the church.  Burial will be in St. Michael's Catholic Cemetery, Mahnomen, MN.