Sharon J. Klabunde

Sharon Jean (Dittbenner) Klabunde peacefully concluded her earthly journey on Saturday, July 19, 2025 at the age of 82.

She was born in Sleepy Eye, MN to Reuben and Ruby (Christensen) Dittbenner on April 6, 1943, graduated from Sleepy Eye High School and Augsburg College in Minneapolis, MN. On June 5, 1965, she married Pastor Richard Klabunde at St. Matthews Lutheran Church in Evan, MN. They had 2 children.

Sharon loved to sew; whether it was clothes for herself and the kids or quilts for Lutheran World Relief. She was an outdoor enthusiast with past times that included hiking, biking, snow shoeing, cross-country skiing and gardening (both flowers and vegetables). Then there was music – from saxophone in the high school swing band and singing in several church choirs to Sweet Adelines and the Dunn Dulcimers, she loved it all. Travel was another passion; all 50 states, most of the Canadian Provinces, and countries on 6 continents. Her final long trip was a cruise in 2023 to Antarctica (to see the baby penguins).

Sharon is survived by her daughter, Jillyn (Rick) Geissler and their children, Alexander and Anna; her son, Daric (Tammi) Klabunde and their children, Brice and Briana; sister, Arlene Hinderman; brothers, Reynold (Vivian) Dittbenner and Dennis (Pam) Dittbenner. She is further survived by nieces, nephews and other relatives.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Richard and brother-in-law, Arnold Hinderman.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, July 26, 2025 at Christ Lutheran Church in Menomonie, WI with Pastor Hal Schroetter officiating. Burial will take place at Christ Lutheran-Halvorson Cemetery in Menomonie. There will be a visitation from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the service on Saturday at the church.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial donation may be made to Lutheran World Relief or your favorite charitable organization.

To share a memory, please visit obituaries at www.olsonfuneral.com