Sharon Lee Anderson

Sharon Anderson, of Appleton, MN passed away on Monday, May 12, 2025, at Appleton Area Health - Hospital at the age of 76.

Memorial services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, May 19, 2025, at Zion Lutheran Church in Appleton, MN with Pastor Gary Mills officiating. Visitation with the family will be held one hour prior to the service at the church on the day of the service.

A livestream of the service can be found at the Zion Lutheran Appleton Youtube page.

http://www.youtube.com/@zionlutheranappleton4166 

Sharon Lee (Bartz) Anderson was born on September 6, 1948, to Paul Carl and Alma Olga (Gaulke) Bartz at the Appleton Hospital. She grew up on the family farm north of Appleton, MN in Shible Township. She was baptized (Sept 26, 1948) and confirmed (April 15, 1962) at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Shible Township. Sharon graduated from Appleton High School in 1966. After high school, she worked at Randelman’s Feed Store and Bruno's Café before becoming a secretary at Appleton Elementary School, where she dedicated 47 years 5 mos. until her retirement in 2014.

On January 7, 1978, Sharon married the love of her life, Eugene (Gene) Anderson, at Zion Lutheran Church in Appleton, MN. They met at the Firemen’s Dance held at the Appleton Armory. To this union, three children were born. Gene & Sharon raised their family at their home in Appleton, MN.

Sharon was a devoted member of Zion Lutheran Church. She loved camping and traveling with family and friends, often enjoying bus tours with her husband. Above all, Sharon cherished spending time with her family. She held dear to her the time spent at the family lake place on Big Stone Lake, where countless memories were made. She often drove the boat so Gene could fish—though she would probably tell you she drove while Gene didn’t catch anything other than a tied-up fishing line mess. Sharon loved doing word searches, sewing, reading and spending time outdoors planting flowers and enjoying the sunshine and nature.

She will be remembered for her strong spirit, her stubborn yet loving personality, and her unwavering devotion to those she held dear.

Sharon is survived by her husband, Eugene (Gene) Anderson; her children, Jodi Anderson and her dog, Pepper, of Elk River, MN; Charles (Emily) Anderson of St. Michael, MN; and Karla (Mike) Baumgartner of Holloway, MN; three grandchildren, Finley Anderson, Kalleigh Baumgartner and Vernon Baumgartner; and a brother-in-law, Kenneth (Beth) Anderson of Wayzata, MN; cousins, other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Paul and Alma Bartz; her brother, Donald (Donnie) Bartz; her grandparents; her mother - and father-in-law, Elmer and Edith Anderson; many aunts, uncles and friends.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made of your choice or to Zion Lutheran Church of Appleton, MN; Streets of Honor – Appleton, MN or Appleton Art & Culture – Appleton, MN.

Blessed be the memory of Sharon Lee (Bartz) Anderson.