Sharon Roempke

Free spirited, outgoing and most of all independent are just a few words that describe Sharon Roempke in every aspect of her life. She was creative, talented and motivated – inspiring her family and ordinary people through the years. Sharon was a good-hearted person you would never forget, and her charm stayed with you long after she had gone.

The first years of the 1940s marked a tumultuous decade for America, as well as for the rest of the world. In Europe, fighting erupted between Allied and Axis forces and America would soon be drawn into this conflict by the bombing of Pearl Harbor. It was into this chaotic world that Sharon Roempke was born on July 23, 1941, to William C. and Gertrude (Stone) Roempke.

Sharon spent her growing up years in Grand Rapids, Michigan. As the oldest of three children, Sharon often cared for her brother and sister while her parent worked to support the family. Sharon formed a close relationship to her siblings that would continue throughout their lives. Her generous spirit never failed to lend itself to her brother or sister in need of support. An adventurous young lady, Sharon could be found pursuing many outdoor activities such as snake hunting or taking exciting exploits around the neighborhood with her friends. The family was members of the South Congregational Church in Grand Rapids. In 1959, Sharon graduated from South High School where she enjoyed participating in the drama department and working on the yearbook, as well as other groups. Despite her busy schedule, she also had a job at Joppes Dairy during high school.

After graduation, Sharon attended classes at junior college, which led to a job as a drafting clerk with Consumers Energy. She thoroughly enjoyed this job and was a dedicated employee for over thirty-two years before retiring in 1993.

Spending time with her family meant the most to Sharon. Although she never married, Sharon stayed close with her brother and sister and they would include her in their many activities, holidays and celebrations. Her greatest passion through and through was her great nieces and nephews. They always looked forward to when Aunt Sharon would watch them and anxiously waited to see what unique and one of a kind invention she created that would entertain them for hours. There were always giggles and laughter in the air when Aunt Sharon was around.

Sharon was a vibrant woman who loved to sit back and take in the simple beauties of the world around her. She loved to observe people and their unique and individual qualities. People responded to her friendly, outgoing nature and she had many friends. Road trips also provided Sharon with many memories. On one such excursion, she took a trip to California simply enjoying time with a new traveling partner along for the ride but also for the adventure of a lifetime. While growing up and for the last few years, Sharon enjoyed spending time during the summer at the family cottage on Gun Lake. Here she communed with nature and helped mow and keep the cottage clean. On her own time, Sharon attended some of the area festivals and enjoyed listening to the rock and roll music of the Elvis era. Whatever the undertaking, Sharon put her heart and soul into everything she did.

Although faced with many forms of cancer and several different treatments, Sharon continued to have a positive outlook and never once asked why me. Even when her hair fell out from Chemo, it was purely natural and she wasn’t the least bit embarrassed. She believed that everything had its purpose in life and its own natural course. Someone mentioned once to her that they hated the snow, but she was dumbfounded as to why because it was a natural event created by God.

Sharon Roempke of Grand Rapids died on Wednesday, April 28, 2004. Her family includes her mother, Gertrude Roempke, of Middleville; sister, Patricia Roempke, of Middleville and brother, Michael & Mary Ann Roempke, of Muskegon; niece, Pam & Dan Davies; and great-nieces & nephews: Beau, Meghan, & Clayton. She was preceded in death by her father William in 1990. Burial has taken place at Hicks Cemetery in Watson Township. Arrangements were made with Life Story Funeral Homes - Rupert, Durham, Marshall, & Gren, Plainwell Chapel. To read Sharon’s life story, share a memory with her family or make a memorial contribution to Barry Community Hospice, please visit her personal memory page at www.lifestorynet.com.

Sharon Roempke was a colorful woman with a zest for life. The memory of Sharon’s vibrant spirit and deep love for her family will continue to bring comfort and encouragement to those who knew and loved her.