Sharon Ann Flugaur, a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and cherished community partner, passed away on June 8 at Marshfield Hospital, surrounded by her loving family. She was 70 years old.
Sharon was born on Feb. 7, 1954, to Mary Ann and Gaylord Repinski. A lifelong resident of Stevens Point, she graduated from Pacelli High School in 1972. Sharon pursued nursing school and worked as a licensed practical nurse for six years before returning to school. In 1983, she graduated as valedictorian from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point with a degree in communication sciences and disorders – speech and language.
On Aug. 3, 1974, Sharon married Thomas Flugaur at St. Stephens Church in Stevens Point, marking the beginning of a nearly 50-year partnership filled with love, mutual support, and joy. The couple had two children, and their marriage was characterized by a shared dedication to family and community.
Sharon’s commitment to her community was unwavering. She coached her children’s teams in Odyssey of the Mind, a competitive problem-solving program involving theatrical performance. Her coaching, which ranged from first to fifth graders, included guiding young minds in re-enacting classics such as The Iliad. Sharon’s passion for community service shone brightest during her 20-year tenure as director of the United Way of Portage County’s Community Partners Program. This initiative paired adults with special needs with volunteers, greatly expanding under her leadership. She brought the program to the hallways of Stevens Point Area Senior High (SPASH), connecting special education students with mentors for activities like holiday shopping, Brewers games, and dance performances.
“What is so neat is that within two weeks these students come to know each other. They open up to each other. They realize they have much more in common than they are different,” Sharon told the Stevens Point Journal. Her work with Community Partners serves as a beacon and blueprint for other schools, fostering a sense of volunteerism and acceptance.
Throughout her life, Sharon balanced numerous roles with grace and enthusiasm. She wrote quizzes for Renaissance Learning, often reading and creating quizzes for more than five books per week. She also ran her own stores, “On This Day” on Main Street and later “The Quilting Studio,” a “hobby job” she embraced after retirement. Sharon’s quilts were works of art, reflecting her love for sewing and knitting. She frequently knitted during long car rides to Madison for Badger games or visits with her granddaughter, Mia.
Her passion for learning was insatiable, and she was an avid reader, often staying up late into the night with books by authors like Charles Dickens, John Irving, and Pat Conroy. Sharon’s storytelling ability was legendary; she could captivate any audience with her sharp wit and comedian’s timing.
At home, Sharon’s dedication to her family was paramount. She put her professional career on hold to care for her children during their early years, managing their school pickups, drop-offs, and numerous after-school activities. Known affectionately as “Sergeant Khaki Pants” for her preferred style of trousers, she ran the household with precision and love, cooking meals on a strict schedule and ensuring a warm, nurturing environment.
Sharon and Thomas shared an extraordinary partnership, likened to the timeless dance duo of Rogers and Astaire. They enjoyed hosting friends and family, attending athletic events, and traveling to favorite destinations like Florida, Las Vegas, and New York. Creatures of habit, they would stay in the same hotels and rooms each visit, bringing consistency and comfort to their travels. At church, they faithfully sat in the second row on the left, a tradition reflecting their deep-rooted commitment to faith and community.
Together, they were devoted fans of Pointer basketball, with Sharon even serving as a tutor in the writing lab for NBA star Terry Porter. She was a proud Wisconsin Badger fan and football season ticket holder, and she cherished the Favre-era Packers.
Sharon’s legacy extends beyond her professional and volunteer work. She was a vibrant presence, known for her spirit, and she radiated a positive, can-do attitude wherever she went. Her ability to connect with people and her compassionate nature left an indelible mark on all who knew her.
She lived by Maya Angelou’s famous quote: “At the end of the day people won’t remember what you said or did…they will remember how you made them feel.” Sharon made everyone feel welcomed, respected, and above all, loved.
Sharon is survived by her husband, Thomas; son, Brandon Flugaur (Kate Hamilton); daughter, Kristin Wessell (Nolan); grandchildren, Mia, Penelope, and Crew; sister, Donna Shuda (Mark); mother and father-in-law, Ron and Mona Flugaur; and numerous beloved brothers and sisters-in-law, nephews, and nieces. She was preceded in death by her parents, Mary Ann and Gaylord Repinski, and her brother-in-law, Robert Kalpinski.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Sharon Flugaur Memorial Fund held with the Community Foundation of Central Wisconsin, to continue supporting individuals with cognitive and physical disabilities, a cause dear to Sharon’s heart.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, June 21, 2024, at Holy Spirit Parish in Stevens Point, with Rev. Steven Brice officiating. Visitation will be held at Holy Spirit Church on Thursday, June 20, 2024, from 4-7 p.m., with a prayer service beginning at 6:45 p.m., and again on Friday from 9 a.m. until the time of service. A private burial will follow at a later date.
Pisarski Funeral Homes is honored to serve the family. For online condolences, please visit www.pisarskifuneralhome.com.
Sharon Ann Flugaur’s legacy of compassion, dedication, and community spirit will be cherished by all who knew her.
