Sharon McCarthy Jensen, 88 of Wausau passed away on April 17, 2024. Sharon was born May 12, 1935, in Wausau, the daughter of the late Ronald J and Lillabelle H McCarthy. She was baptized at First English Lutheran Church in Wausau. A Graduate of Wausau High School and Valparaiso University, Sharon also studied at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and later Stevens Point. On March 17, 1956, she was married to Norman K Jensen at Zion Lutheran Church, Wausau. Norman entered the Air Force that month, and Sharon spent the next 24 years as a military spouse. When Norman returned from the Vietnam war in 1969, Sharon began to teach in Lutheran schools, eventually reaching 28 years of experience at St. James, Lafayette, Indiana, Trinity, Roselle, Illinois and Immanuel, Valparaiso, Indiana. She was a primary grade teacher (1-4) specializing in reading and phonics. After the Air Force, which led to homes in Georgia, Oklahoma, California, North Dakota, Alabama, Wisconsin, Indiana, Utah, Illinois, and Colorado, Norman and Sharon settled in Valparaiso, Indiana for 18 years before retiring to Rothschild, Wisconsin.
Sharon will be remembered as a vivacious, lively, spirited soul who loved to talk to people. She was a choir member, piano player, golfer, skier, and insatiable reader. Her former students recalled her fondly for passing on her love of reading.
Sharon went to meet her Lord on April 17, 2024, at Azura Memory Care of Wausau. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 57 years, Norman, in 2013. Sharon's legacy includes: sons, Russell (Maria) of Florida, Karl (Kathy) of Utah, and Michael (Patricia) of Texas, her grandchildren, Paul, Georgina, Nathan and Daniel, as well as 4 nieces, and 1 nephew.
A memorial service will be held at Trinity Lutheran Church (501 Stewart Avenue) on Tuesday, April 30 at 11:00 AM. Visitation with the family will begin at 10:00 and a luncheon will follow the service. Helke Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements.
Memorials may be directed to Trinity Lutheran Church and School in Wausau.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at Azura Memory Care of Wausau for the care and love given to our mother.