Sharon Jensen

Sharon Ann (Clark) Jensen, lovingly known to nearly everyone as “Spud,” was born on June 27, 1957, in Baraboo, Wisconsin. She grew up in Hoyt Lakes, Minnesota, and later made her home in Gilbert, Minnesota, where she shared 41 years of marriage with her beloved husband, Kurt James Jensen. Spud passed away peacefully at home with Kurt and many family members and friends by her side, surrounded by the love of those who meant so much to her.

She is survived by her husband, Kurt; her sister, Cyndee Clark; her sister-in-law, Deborah (Kenneth) Brassill; her brother-in-law, Ronald James Messner; and several nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews, all of whom will carry their own special memories of her. She was preceded in death by her mother, Beverly Gruman; her father, Duane Clark; her sisters, Patty Messner and Diane Powell; and her brother, Tom Clark.

Education and helping others were important parts of Spud’s life. She earned a bachelor’s degree in teaching from Bemidji State University and a master’s degree from Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota. For 35 years, she taught at Gilbert Elementary School, where she made a lasting difference in the lives of generations of students. Teaching gave her the opportunity to encourage young minds and touch countless lives, and even after retirement, her desire to share wisdom, offer kindness, and help others never faded.

Those who knew Spud will remember her for her kindness, honesty, fierce loyalty, wonderful sense of humor, and unmistakable laugh. She had a beautiful way of making people feel like the most important person in the room, leaving them feeling welcomed, valued, and cared for. She was someone others could count on when they needed advice, comfort, a helping hand, or simply a giggle. Always there for the people she loved, she often put their needs before her own, giving of herself in ways that meant more than words could ever express.

Spud found happiness in the things she loved most: shopping for little treasures, painting, decorating her home, and making her yard beautiful through gardening. She had her own sense of style, always trendy yet comfortable, with a cool, collected confidence that was uniquely her. A fantastic cook, she treasured bringing people together over good food and spending time visiting with family and friends. During the winter months, she and Kurt enjoyed traveling south to escape the cold, with their beloved dog, Izzy, along for the journey. Animals held a special place in her heart, and her dogs were never just pets; they were family, loved as dearly as children. Izzy survives her, while Carli, Cali, and Sadie preceded her in death.

Above all, Spud treasured the people she loved and the moments they shared. Her favorite saying, “Life is good,” reflected the warmth and appreciation she brought to everyday life. She had a way of making ordinary moments special and creating memories that would be cherished long after the moment had passed. Through her laughter, loyalty, kindness, and the love she gave so freely, she made life brighter for the people fortunate enough to know her. Her absence will leave an ache in the hearts of those who love her, but the memories, stories, and little pieces of her that remain will continue to bring comfort, smiles, and even tears. She will be missed more than words can say and remembered with a love that will never fade.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Essentia Health Hospice, St. Luke’s Hospital, and Northern Pines Medical Center for the care, compassion, and kindness shown to Spud and her loved ones during this time.

A Celebration of Life is scheduled for Saturday, November 14, 2026, from 1:00-5:00 p.m. at the Hoyt Lakes VFW. Arrangements are by the Ziemer-Moeglein-Shatava Funeral Home of Aurora and Gilbert.

“Life is good. And because she was here, so much of it was.”