Sharon Nell Blasing

Sharon N. Blasing, 69, peacefully passed away on Friday, August 23rd at UW Hospital in Madison.

Sharon was born the daughter of Jerry and Helen Baldwin on October 3rd, 1943 in Tomahawk, WI. She had two siblings: Wilma Hanson and Dennis Baldwin. Sharon graduated in 1961 from Our Lady of Holy Cross High School in Merrill, Wisconsin.

Sharon joyfully married Richard Blasing on May 29th, 1981 in Dubuque, Iowa.
In the latter part of Sharon's working life, she dedicated herself for a number of years in public service, first as a HUD Housing and Family Financial Counselor at Community Action Coalition in Watertown, then as a social worker helping at-risk children in Jefferson County. Prior to these positions, Sharon was a Veterinary Assistant in Johnson Creek, a Fabric Sales Assistant at Shopko, and an Accountants Receivable Clerk at Watertown Metal Products. She also home-taught her two youngest children for a number of grades.

Shortly after graduating high school, Sharon lived in Virginia for a brief but memorable time, which she fondly reminisced about for years after. Upon returning from Virginia, Sharon spent the rest of her life in Jefferson County, primarily in Watertown.

Sharon was a gifted, award-winning artist who could express herself through a seemingly endless number of mediums. She wrote sentimental poetry, created stunning oil landscape paintings, painted numerous china pieces (incorporating scenes of lighthouses and flowers into these works), pieced together countless handmade quilts, and worked on volumes of various sewing projects. She routinely sold her work at area art shows. In addition, Sharon enjoyed gardening, cooking and baking, interior decorating, reading, talking/writing to loved ones and friends, and playing cards.

Sharon was well-known for placing her care and concern for others well before herself. She was a warm and nurturing mother, a caring and beloved wife, and a wise and witty friend. An "old soul," Sharon was valued for her intelligence, insight, and humor.

Survivors include her husband, Richard; children, Saga Erickson, Susan Schraufnagel, Kristen McDonald, Richard Blasing Jr., and Dana Blasing; grandchildren, Andrea Koput, Sara Tienhaara, James Baneck Jr., Eric Baneck, Aron Vesper, Amanda Vesper, and Liam McDonald; great-grandchildren, Wyler Koput, Mason Baneck, and Chloe Baneck; siblings, Wilma Hanson and Dennis Baldwin; and other relatives and friends.

Preceding in death were one child, Barbara Erickson; her parents, Jerry and Helen Baldwin; and one great-grandchild, Madeline Koput.
Also preceding in death was her favorite cat of 15 years, Gibby.

Although Sharon will be greatly missed, those close to her will cherish her memory and spirit. A passage of Sharon's poetry reflects this sentiment:
"There will come a time when we look back at the struggles of this day--another Spring when we open the door and to each other we'll say--'Look at all our memories, the good and the bad. All the years we have shared, both happy and sad.' Life is this way."

A private, family memorial celebrating Sharon's life will be held in October.