Sharon Wiidakas

In the early morning hours of May 21, as Sharon Wiidakas peacefully slept, her earthly body was transformed into one of God’s magnificent angels. This was, quite possibly, the only time God was able to find her still and quiet enough to take her home.  Sharon was a little sparkplug of a woman who loved people and traveling, and she didn’t let her many bouts with illness slow her down. 

Sharon was born on April 12, 1946 to Stanley (Bud) and Dorothy (Gish) Trnka of Mahnomen, MN.  She graduated from Mahnomen High School in 1964 and moved to Fargo where she attended Dakota Business College. 

She fell in love with a handsome NDSU student, Paul Wiidakas, whom she married on June 8, 1968.  They spent their first year of wedded bliss in Germany, where Paul was stationed with the Army during the Vietnam War.  Sharon and Paul were blessed with two children, Kari Jo and Bradley Paul.  Paul passed away on December 23, 1982.

Sharon was a great assistant in the legal field and was employed for numerous years by the Vogel Law Firm.  She had many tales of the antics and fun she and fellow employees at Vogel got into.  The wonderful people she worked with and met there always held a special place in her heart. 

Sharon used her expertise in the legal field to become an instructor at Moorhead Tech (now known as M/State) where she led the Legal Administration program.  Sharon’s love of life and laughter was apparent as she nurtured “her kids” in the classroom and greeted fellow staff in the hall.

Sharon’s greatest joy was watching Kari and Brad in their many school activities and observing with pride as they matured into caring, loving adults.   When she was blessed with two grandsons, her focus shifted to their interests and she relished each visit she had with them.  She absolutely beamed when she talked about Noah and Greyson and was so proud to be their grandma!

Those that knew Sharon, thought twice before disturbing her on Bison Football days.  She would be decked out in her gold and green NDSU gear and glued to the television, analyzing each play and player as the game progressed.  She was oblivious to anyone who wasn’t in the Bison frame of mind and wouldn’t hesitate to let you know, with a smile on her face, to “cheer accordingly” or leave. 

The Vikings were also a favorite of Sharon’s.  Although the “Purple People Eaters” tended to raise her blood pressure with their unpredictable playing, she remained steadfast in her loyalty to the Minnesota team. 

Sharon could be ready in a minute’s notice to go on an adventure with family and friends.  She didn’t care if it was to Hobby Lobby or Hawaii, she was game.  Her outgoing, fun-loving, nature made her an individual people gravitated toward.  You were never a stranger in Sharon’s presence, you were simply a friend in the making.

In October of 2018 Sharon moved from her lifelong adult residence in Fargo to an apartment at Sheyenne Crossings.  It was there that she immediately caught the eye of a tall, gentle, man; Duane Mahin, who became a wonderful life companion.  In Sharon style, she was molding Duane into becoming a Bison and Viking fan, and teased him relentlessly. 

This dynamic lady is survived by her daughter Kari (Craig) Cline of Fargo; her son Bradley (Heather) Wiidakas of Denver, CO and the two “boys” who were the love of her life; grandson’s Noah and Greyson.  Grand puppy, Maddie, who had many overnight visits filled with doggie treats and snuggles also survives her.  Two sisters: Bonnie (Jim) Iverson of Fergus Falls and Linda (Larry) Warhol of St. Cloud; brother-in-law, John Wiidakas of Fargo, sister-in-law, Dar Trnka of Minneapolis as well as many nieces and nephews also survive.  She leaves behind her best friend, mischief instigator, and sister by choice, Lana Christensen of Fergus Falls and her very special companion, Duane Mahin of Fargo.

Sharon was preceded in death by her husband Paul; her parents, Stanley (Bud) and Dorothy Trnka; her mother and father-in-law, Cora and William Wiidakas and one brother, Keith Trnka.

We hope that you continue Mom’s legacy of loving people, being authentically interested in their life story, and unconditionally giving of your time and gifts.  Praise be to God!

Visitation: Tuesday, May 28, 2019 from 9:30 AM until 10:30 AM at Olivet Lutheran Church, Fargo, ND.

Memorial Service: Tuesday, May 28, 2019 at 10:30 AM at Olivet Lutheran Church, Fargo, ND.

Burial: Tuesday, May 28, 2019 at 1:00 PM at Riverside Cemetery, Fargo, ND.

West Funeral Home & Life Tribute Center  

westfuneralhome.com

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