Sharon Schaff

Sharon M. Schaff, age 72 of Montello, Wisconsin, passed away on Monday, April 11, 2022 with her loving husband Larry, holding her hand.  Sharon is survived by her beloved husband, Larry; little brother, Glen (Deb) Mikolajczyk; loving sister, Shiela (Fred) Albright; nieces, Megan (Aaron) Mikolajczyk, Callie (Caleb) Mikolajczyk; nephew, Scot Ryan (Kristin) Albright; great nieces, Holly & Beatrix Bowen; great nephew, Mick Bowen.  She is also survived by loving members of the Schaff family; Gary and Marcy Schaff, Mike and Linda Pawelka, Jerry and Susan Schaff; nieces and nephews, Laura and Peter Stretz, Andrew and Heidi Pawelka, TJ and Stacy Anguiano, Shannon Schaff and Clint Martinovich, Daniel Schaff and Leena Lou;  great nieces and nephews, Caleb and Hailey Pawelka, Juliana, Isabella, Angelina & Anguiano and Jocelyn Schaff, Colton & Aiden Martinovich.

Sharon was preceded in death by her father, Bernard M. Mikolajczyk, and mother, Virginia F. Mikolajczyk.  Sharon was the first-born child of three, and spent her childhood in West Allis helping to corral her younger siblings through their school years and summers.  Many summer days were spent at McCarty Park swimming pool and reading.

She graduated from Nathan Hale High School in 1967 and began her career as a keypunch operator moving up to Executive Secretary before she retired from P&H Harnischfeger.  Harnischfeger was a family tradition, dad Bernie was a Supervisor, little sister Shiela followed Sharon into the Purchasing Dept. and Shiela’s husband, Fred, also worked at P&H prior to forming his own company, Almon Inc.  After P&H, Sharon accepted a position in the Technical Writing Area of Almon Inc.

Sharon married the love of her life, Larry, an Army veteran from the Vietnam War, and a professional chef following his service at the VA in Milwaukee.   The two married on January 23, 2004, after a long friendship and courtship.  After retiring, they moved to Montello and built a house that Larry said Sharon made a home.  Sharon christened the area, “The Land of Squirrels” and loved the area wildlife and gardening.  In time, they brought mom, Ginny, to the area.  Sharon was a wonderful, attentive daughter who continuously checked in and helped her mom settle in to the north woods.  Larry was a great assist with this care, working part time as the nutritionist at Harris Villa Assisted Living where Ginny moved later her golden years.

They have been active with the Westfield VFW Post 8718.  Sharon has also spent many enjoyable summers golfing with good friends, and has been a member of a yoga group for many years and made many friends there.

Sharon was a generous and caring aunt to her nieces and nephew and she said she was happy to see them married.  Last summer she was so happy to make it to the wedding of Scot and Kristin in Mackinac. Her great niece called her “Auntie Strawberry” since she was a toddler, based on Sharon’s love of everything strawberry.  Her home has her strawberry motif throughout.   Sharon was an avid and talented knitter, who over the past 50 years has knit countless sweaters, scarves, hats, slipper socks, blankets, and afghans for family and friends.  She most recently completed a beautiful baby blanket for the future great nephew Cooper, arriving in May.  Sharon loved Christmas and being with her family at all gatherings.  She made every gift special, her hand made Christmas cards and Birthday cards were treasures.  Her family is so thankful to have had the past Christmas together.  We will miss her fabulous mashed potatoes, delicious banana fruit salad and corn casserole at future family gatherings.  We will miss her joyful laugh, and beautiful sense of humor, her generosity, and her wonderfully natural ability to take care of us all.

A visitation for Sharon will be held on Saturday, April 16, 2022 at New Beginnings Christian Community Church, W7220 County Rd. E, Westfield from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. with a funeral service to follow at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Terry Temanson officiating.  Burial will be in Sheldon Cemetery, Town of Harris.  A luncheon will be held following the burial back at the church.

The family would like to extend their thanks and heartfelt appreciation to Nan Hinze and her angels at Harris Villa and Agrace, for their tender, loving care of Sharon.

Please take a moment to view the online Tribute Wall.  Send your condolences or share a memory of Sharon with her family & friends.