August 24, 1938 – January 12, 2026
Sharon L. Olson passed away on January 12, 2026, at the IOOF Home in Mason City.
Funeral Services will be held 10:30am Wednesday, January 21, 2026 at Music Man Square, 308 S Pennsylvania Ave, Mason City, IA 50401 with Rev. Paul Boostrom, officiating. She will be laid to rest at Elmwood-St. Joseph Cemetery, Mason City, IA.
Visitation will be held 4:00pm to 6:00pm Tuesday, January 20, 2026 at Hogan-Bremer-Moore Colonial Chapel, 126 3rd St. NE, Mason City, IA 50401. Visitation will continue one hour prior to the service at Music Man Square.
Memorials may be directed to her family to be dispersed to many of the organizations Sharon held dear.
Sharon L. Clark was born on August 24, 1938, in Faribault, Minnesota, the daughter of Eugene E. and Maxine E. (Lewis) Clark. Shortly after her birth, the family moved to Mason City, where Sharon attended Mason City High School and graduated in 1956. She continued her education at LaJames, eventually joining her mother at the Family Beauty Salon as a third-generation beautician. Sharon proudly served the North Iowa area for more than 50 years.
In addition to her work in the salon, Sharon was a familiar face in the community through her modeling. For many years, she modeled for Lundberg’s Clothing appearing in numerous commercials, and also lending her talents to many local organizations.
In 1958, Sharon married Glen Kephart Jr., and they were blessed with two children, Candy and Todd. Although the couple later separated, Sharon’s devotion to her children never wavered. On August 22, 1970, she was united in marriage to Richard W. “Dick” Olson in Mason City.
Sharon took great pride in her home, where she lived for 65 years. The home remained in the family after being built by her great-great uncle and was a place filled with warmth, memories, and beauty. She especially loved tending to her flowers and gardens, with her deep red geraniums being a favorite. Her love for antiques flourished there as well, from wicker furniture to treasured finds discovered at auctions she so enjoyed.
A wonderful baker and an even better cook, Sharon was well known for delivering scotcheroos, lemon bars, and pecan bars to friends and shut-ins. She was always looking out for others, whether it meant grocery trips, rides to appointments, helping with church transportation, trips to class reunion meals, or performing countless quiet acts of kindness.
Sharon and Dick shared a love for traveling, vacations, and attending auctions together. Fall trips to the river and time spent on the East Coast were among her favorites. They were also devoted sports fans, holding season tickets for the Iowa Hawkeyes and enjoying tailgating before games. Sharon could often be found supporting local athletics as well, cheering on the Mason City Mohawks, Newman Knights, her grandchildren, and many area youth.
Christmas was one of Sharon’s most cherished seasons. Decorating and preparing for the holidays was truly her specialty, and each year she joyfully opened her home to friends, neighbors, and many social groups.
Sharon generously gave her time throughout the community. She volunteered countless hours at Music Man Square, where she decorated year after year and where many of her beloved collections remain on display today. Her servant’s heart was also evident through her dedication to the Wilson House, the Salvation Army Red Kettle, Meals on Wheels, the Community Kitchen, and her care for shut-ins. She was deeply devoted to First Christian Church, where she found a strong community of faith and friendships and served faithfully over the years.
Sharon is survived by her daughter, Candy (Mark Brown) Hinderman of Mason City; her son, Todd (Jada Mitchell) Kephart of Mason City; her grandchildren, Sarah Kephart and Holly (Brennan) Fischer; and her great-grandchildren, Zoey Zimmerman, Elliott Fischer, and Cooper Fischer; as well as many extended relatives and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Eugene and Maxine Clark; her husband, Richard “Dick” Olson; the father of her children, Glen Kephart Jr.; and her son-in-law, Greg Hinderman.
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