Sharon Lee (Swanson) Dschaak, age 65, passed away peacefully Friday, April 9th surrounded by family and friends.
Born in Wolf Point on September 18th, 1955, to parents Eugene and Isabel Swanson, her early years set the tone for the rest of her life. She was very involved in the community, as a member of The Eastern Stars, High School athletics and working at the City Pool as a lifeguard. She carried on the passions for community involvement through her adult life, being involved in both civic and the Church, as well as excelling in the field of Nursing, impacting many people’s lives in everything she did.
While in college at North Dakota State College Williston pursuing her Nursing Degree, she met the love of her life, Eldon. They married on August 9, 1975 In Wolf Point, and spent the next two years briefly in Grand Forks and Worthington, ND. From there, the calling to come back home was strong. With the birth of their 1st son, Christopher Michael in 1976, they ventured back to Wolf Point where Eldon and Sharon have called home since 1977. Soon after arriving in Wolf Point, they welcomed the birth of their daughter, Candace Lee, in 1979 and rounded off the family in 1983 with the arrival of Chad David.
Sharon started her Wolf Point career working at the Faith Lutheran Home after arriving back town. From there she was employed by Dr. Coyner, then Dr. Listerud before NEMHS took over the clinic. She spent her entire career helping others, holding many titles and managing different departments. From rewriting the Infectious Control and Risk Management protocols, managing Listerud’s Rural Health Clinic, managing and working as a licensed EMT, and running education for NEMHS, teaching countless Nurse’s Aids, her love for Nursing impacted many lives during her 39-year career. Her passion for healthcare and Emergency Services inspired her daughter Candace to become a RN, and her son Christopher to be a Volunteer Fireman and EMT.
Sharon’s passions, there were many, didn’t stop at work. During the late 70’s and early 80’s she was heavily involved with the Jaycees, holding every office including State President. She sat on the State Board of Nursing for 2 terms, and was appointed to an unprecedented 3rd to fill a vacated spot. Her house was full of Pinochle and Bunco parties, and her and Eldon bowled for many years in Sunday couples league. She created stained glass masterpieces, and her gardens bloomed beautiful every year, full of tons of vegetables and colorful flowers.
Her biggest passion was food. She was an amazing cake baker and decorator, creating countless birthday, anniversary, and wedding cakes. The house smelled constantly of cake baking and frosting as she worked at the kitchen table. Her children had the honor of Sharon making the cakes for not only their birthdays, but at their weddings. Home cooked meals were her specialty, and the constant stream of food shows on TV her entertainment. Her passion for food was felt by many, but her son Chad followed it the most, working as a Chef for many years. Coming over to Sharon’s house, there was never a person that went home hungry!
She was very active in the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church and Choir. She sang and cantered over the years and enjoyed sharing her beautiful voice. Her and Eldon made two memorable trips overseas with the Church, one to Rome where she was able to sing in St. Peter’s Cathedral in the Vatican, and the other with a group that toured India.
Sharon is survived by her Husband of 45 years, Eldon, 3 children, Christopher, Candace(Matt Rock), Chad(Ren Dschaak) and 7 Grandchildren.
Sharon is preceded in death by her parents, Eugene and Isabel
Sharon impacted many lives along her way. Her dedication for the healthcare and emergency services fields, as well as her involvement in the community will leave a long-lasting effect on Wolf Point. Summing up her life in a single page is impossible, but she will live long in the memories of everyone that knew and loved her.
Visitation will be held Monday April 11th from 4-8pm at Clayton Stevenson Chapel. The Celebration of her life will be held at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church at 11am Tuesday.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Faith Home Foundation, care of Sharon. The Home held a special place in her heart and her life.
A visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Monday, April 12, 2021 at the Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel in Wolf Point. The Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, April 13, 2021 at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Wolf Point. Cremation will follow services. Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel has been entrusted with arrangements and condolences for the family can be left by using the form below.