Sharon Uhlenhopp

SHARON UHLENHOPP

Cedar Rapids

Sharon Kay Uhlenhopp, 76, of Cedar Rapids (formerly of Cedar Falls), left this world and entered into the presence of her Lord on July 9, 2015. Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Friday, July 17, at Murdoch Funeral Home & Cremation Service in Marion.Visitation with the family will be Thursday, July 16, from 4 to 7 p.m. Burial will be in Hitesville Cemetery, rural Aplington, at 11 a.m. Saturday, July 18.

Sharon is survived by Lynn, her husband of 53 years; their children, Carl (Patti) Uhlenhopp of Marion, Susan (Steve) Knapp of Lisbon and Cathy (Doug) Williams of Sac City; seven grandchildren, Nathan and Caitlin Uhlenhopp, Ainars Bekmanis, Matthew (Lauren), Mia and Micah Knapp, and Linsey Williams; and two great-grandchildren, Emma and Ellie Knapp.

She also is survived by two sisters, Patsy (John) Crowe and Shannon (Tom) Miller; three brothers, Dean (Anna) Pike, Roy (Shirley) Pike and Paul (Emily) Pike; a brother-in-law, Lyle (Dotta) Uhlenhopp; a sister-in-law, Norma (Tilfred) Rierson; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Sharon was preceded in death by her parents; her brothers, Darell Pike and Loy Pike; and sisters-in-law, Dolores Pike, Pat Pike and Bettie Pike.

Sharon was born May 11, 1939, to Harold and Pearl (Naber) Pike. She graduated from Osage High School in 1957. On Feb. 19, 1960, Sharon received Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior. Her faith greatly impacted her life and the lives of those around her. On March 3, 1962, Sharon was united in marriage to Lynn Uhlenhopp in Aplington.

Lynn and Sharon lived most of their married life in the Cedar Falls area, enjoying life in the country, where Sharon demonstrated her incredible capacity to work. She was an avid puzzler and worked hard in her vegetable garden. She was always ready to share the fruit of her labor, delivering pumpkins, homemade applesauce and other goodies to family and friends.

Nothing gave Sharon more joy than being a mother and grandmother. She always met family with a smile, and any mischief found in her grandchildren can likely be attributed to her great love for a tease. She often shared special moments and surprises with her children and grand-children. She always remembered family members with birthday/anniversary cards and had many frequent caller minutes to her credit. Sharon and Lynn thoroughly enjoyed their extended family too and were known to "drop in" unannounced to enjoy a good discussion. They faithfully attended Hitesville Gospel Hall in rural Aplington for many years.

Sharon's last years of life were a profound demonstration of her love for Lynn, caring for him as he declined from symptoms of Lyme disease. Her life was a living model for how to love family and friends well – always looking for little ways to bless.

She will be dearly missed.

In lieu of flowers, you may honor Sharon with a donation to your favorite charity.

Please share a memory of Sharon at www.murdoch funeralhome.com under obituaries.