NORTHWOOD, IOWA — Sharon Kay Holstad, 87, of Northwood, died Wednesday, July 22, 2026, following a life centered on faith, family, caregiving and service to others.
Visitation will be held from 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday, July 25, at Elk Creek Lutheran Church in Kensett. Funeral services will follow at 11 a.m. at the church, with Pastor Linda Johnson-Prestholt presiding. Burial will take place at Elk Creek Cemetery.
Sharon was born July 1, 1939, in Colon, Nebraska, the daughter of Chester and Izetta Craig. She was baptized in the Methodist church in Stuart, Nebraska, and later confirmed in the Lutheran faith at Grace Lutheran Church in Hanlontown.
She graduated from Hanlontown High School in 1957 and continued her education at LaJames Beauty School in Mason City. After completing her training, Sharon opened her own beauty shop in Hanlontown.
According to her obituary, Sharon spent 10 years working as a beauty operator at the Manly Care Center and another two years at the Lutheran Retirement Home.
She later changed careers and became a certified nursing assistant. Sharon spent 14 years caring for residents at the Lutheran Retirement Home before retiring in 2001.
Sharon met the love of her life, Duane, at the Surf Ballroom in Clear Lake. They married in 1963 at Grace Lutheran Church in Hanlontown and welcomed three children: Pamala, Mark and Carol.
Dancing remained an important part of their life together. Sharon and Duane would sometimes move the kitchen table aside to create their own dance floor, sharing music and laughter with their daughters.
Sharon enjoyed sewing and took special pleasure in creating outfits for her grandchildren. She was also skilled at knitting and crocheting.
She and Duane shared many adventures and activities through the years, including camping, bowling, roller skating and traveling.
Her faith was demonstrated through years of service at Elk Creek Lutheran Church. Sharon taught Sunday school and Vacation Bible School and helped generations of children learn about their faith.
She also served as a 4-H leader, generously sharing her time, patience and talents with young people in the community.
Sharon is survived by her husband, Duane; children Pam (Pete) Leinen of Harlan, Mark (Mary) Holstad of Kensett and Carol (Joe) Wetter of Rock Falls; and grandchildren Alicia (Josh) Yoder, Courtney (Perry) Krager, Brittany Leinen, Brandon Leinen, Mindy (Justin) Perkins, Tyler Holstad and his special friend, Nicole, Gabriel Wetter and Owen Wetter.
She is also survived by great-grandchildren Ryder and Brielle Yoder, Paxton Krager and other loved ones; brother-in-law Irwin Holstad of Gilbert, Arizona; and sister-in-law Marlene Hansen of St. Paul, Minnesota.
Sharon was preceded in death by her parents, Chester and Izetta Craig; sister Billie JoAnn Naugle and her husband, Harold; parents-in-law Carl and Myrtle Holstad; several brothers-in-law; and two sisters-in-law.
Hoff Funeral, Cremation Service and Celebration of Life Center is handling arrangements. To read more and see the full obituary, please click here.
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