Sharon Beverly Kirtz

On Wednesday, October 6 ^th , 2021 while surrounded by family at Mayo Clinic St Mary’s Campus, Sharon died peacefully at the age of 78 years.  She will be dearly missed.

Sharon Beverly Baumann Kirtz was born on March 30, 1943 to Kenneth and Doris (Wilson) Baumann in Hayfield, Minnesota.  She spent her childhood in Hayfield and was baptized, confirmed and married at Trinity Lutheran Church at Hayfield.  As a teenager she car hopped at Samuelson’s Drive-In and was a waitress at Orning’s Restaurant.  Working and socializing with people was important to her at a young age and remained relevant her entire life.   She graduated from Hayfield High School in 1961 and attended Mankato State College.  Upon leaving college she worked at Mayo Clinic, Rochester, doing electrocardiograms.  On October 19 ^th , 1963 Sharon married Raymond Kirtz from Adams, MN.   They moved to Rapid City, SD, where Ray was stationed at the Ellsworth Air Force Base.  Sharon began her life’s career at that time working as a telephone operator for Northwestern Bell Telephone Company in Rapid City.   After Ray’s service was completed they moved to Rochester and Sharon was transferred to the Rochester branch of the telephone company.   Realizing the importance of furthering her education and in setting a good example for her sons and grandchildren, she enrolled and graduated in 1993 with a Degree in Business Administration from Concordia College in St Paul, MN.   Sharon retired as a supervisor from the Qwest Telephone Company in Rochester, MN.

Sharon was a devout member of Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Rochester.  She taught Sunday School when her sons were young and she enjoyed serving her church in various ways.  She served her community as well by being a past president of the Rochester Civitan Club for 2 terms.  For several years she volunteered at the Special Olympics, The Festival of Trees, and supported the Tae Kwon Do Park Institute of Rochester.  She was also a member of Rochester Junior Achievement Organization, The St. Olaf Heritage Association, and Hayfield American Legion Auxiliary.

Throughout her life, Sharon had many hobbies.  In earlier years she loved doing ceramics and had a kiln in her home.  She invited friends and family into her workshop to make ceramics of their own.  She traveled throughout the United States, including trips to Hawaii, Norway, Europe, Mexico, and Korea. Dogs and cats gave her great pleasure.  She always had pet treats for them available in her pockets or stashed in her car.   Later in life Sharon continued to serve the community in a variety of ways. She spent hours making fleece blankets and donating them to the homeless, shut-ins, and several charitable agencies.  Friends and family were also gifted her blankets.  Sharon cherished her family.  Most important to her were the times she spent with her grandchildren and hearing about their activities.  Sharon was a very selfless individual, putting her life and needs on hold to help family and friends

Sharon is lovingly remembered by her sons, Robert Kirtz of Farmington, MN and Scott (Penny) Kirtz of Rochester; grandchildren Zachary, Zoe, and Zara Kirtz of Farmington, MN; Bryan Kirtz of Rochester, MN; sister Dorene (Donald) Ness of Kasson, MN; nephews Keith (Marjorie) Ness of Winona, MN; Kevin Ness of Osceola, WI; grandnephews Erik, Jordan; grandnieces Kiana and Sarah; longtime friend Linda Sapp.  Sharon valued the time she spent with the Kirtz Family, special mention Regina, Dorothy, Edna, Marlene, Betty and their families.

She was preceded in death by her parents, an infant son and Jennifer Kirtz

Memorials will be donated to Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Rochester, MN or donors may designate a charity of their choice.

A visitation will be held from 12:00-2:00 pm Thursday, October 14, 2021, at Czaplewski Family Funeral Homes, 501 2 ^nd ST NW in Hayfield, followed by a private family service.  Inurnment will be in Fairview cemetery in Hayfield, MN.

To share a special memory or condolence please visit www.czaplewskifuneralhomes.com ,  Czaplewski Family Funeral Homes, 501 2 ^nd St NW PO Box 461, Hayfield, MN 55940 (507)477-2259.  Blessed be her memory.