Sharon Kay Martin

Sharon K. Martin, age 82, of Winona, passed away on Saturday, February 10, 2024, at Winona Health.

She was born on February 1, 1942, the first child of Bob and Dolly Stephens. She attended Cotter High School and graduated with the class of 1960. In 1961, she married David Martin in Enid, Oklahoma, where Dave was serving in the Air Force. Sharon and Dave made their home in Winona.

Sharon was born to be a caregiver. She loved children. As the oldest of six children, she was well prepared to be a devoted mother to her children, Dody and Paul. She worked at the DAC for many years, where she was very passionate about teaching young adults with disabilities, caring for her students and supporting their families. Through her work there, she was able to model for her own children the importance of kindness and equity for all people. She also worked for SEMCAC until her retirement. Sharon was an excellent cook. She spent countless hours in her kitchen cooking for her family and anyone she felt needed a little TLC that a warm meal would provide.

Throughout her life, Sharon often shared stories about adventures with her five siblings and childhood friends. Spending time on the river, sleepovers at Grandma Brose’s or the cabin in Wabasha, fishing, holiday traditions, and family gatherings were some of her favorite memories. After retirement, Sharon and Dave enjoyed wintering in Texas. She also enjoyed reading, shopping, bus trips to the casino and other travels.

Sharon is survived by her husband, Dave; children: Dody (Gary) Sobeck and Paul Martin; grandchildren: Christopher (Janneke) Sobeck and Jenna Sobeck; great-grandchildren: Colten and Julian Sobeck; sisters: Tess Holzer and Paula Stephens; brother-in-law, Ken Fabian and special nephews and nieces.

She was preceded in death by her parents, in-laws, a niece and nephew, sister-in-law: Janet (Doyle) Homer; brother-in-law: David Holzer and siblings: Rachel Pflughoeft, Tom Stephens and Sara Fabian.

Visitation will be held at the Watkowski-Mulyck Funeral Home, 376 E. Sarnia St., Winona, on Thursday, February 15, 2024, from 3 PM until a funeral service at 5:30 PM.  Pastor Kathy Redig will officiate.  A luncheon will be served in the community room of the funeral home following the service.

Sharon will be laid to rest in a family ceremony at St. Mary’s Cemetery.

In 1991, Sharon received the gift of life through a kidney transplant from her daughter. That kidney gave her 32 years of life without dialysis. Kidney disease has impacted many of Sharon’s family members. Please consider organ donation. The family asks that memorials be directed to The Gift of Life Transplant House in Rochester, MN. “Don’t take your organs to heaven, heaven knows we need them here.”

Online condolences or memories may be left for Sharon’s family at www.watkowski-mulyck.com.