Obituary

Sharon Lee Garvik Smedal
August 14, 1940 - December 1, 2022

Sharon Lee Garvik Smedal

Sharon Lee Garvik Smedal
Aug 14, 1940 - Dec 1, 2022

Sharon Lee Garvik Smedal
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link for Sharon's Funeral Service: na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fvimeo.com%2F758832807%2Feb2e7fd49d&data=05%7C01%7C%7Ceb292e7f29064a376abd08dae20bd17d%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C638070837638108589%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=makvOaI1LSUDPr4ImV8zGBa4NlbtfD702gTdPbr14R4%3D&reserved=0

Sharons life video:



Sharon Smedal passed away on December 1, 2022, in Ames, Iowa, at the age of 82 years. Her Celebration of Life funeral service will be held at Bethesda Lutheran Church on Friday, December 9, 2022, at 10:30 a.m. Visitation will be at Grandon Funeral and Cremation Care on Thursday, December 8, 2022, from 4:00 - 6:00 p.m.

Sharon Lee Garvik was born on August 14, 1940, in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota, to Albert and Alice (Bensen) Garvik. Sharon and her parents moved to Muscatine, Iowa, where she graduated from high school in 1958. She graduated from Iowa State University in 1962 with a degree in child development and completed requirements for elementary teaching certification.

On June 2, 1962, she was united in marriage to Karsten Smedal, of Ames, and soon began her teaching career. She especially loved first graders: "They are so honest, and they so want to please."

Sharon and Karsten were blessed with two children, Kristin and Erik. Sharon relinquished full-time teaching after their births, but continued substitute teaching for nearly 30 years.

In retirement, Sharon and Karsten enjoyed following their grandchildren's activities, volunteering, and traveling. Included were several trips to Norway to see Sharon's relatives.

Sharon was a member of P.E.O., Chapter HN, and Bethesda Lutheran Church, where she was a member of Ruth Circle and the youth committee, served communion, and helped with the Scandinavian Coffee (she was Norwegian!).

Sharon was God's gift to Karsten, and her passion was taking care of her loved ones. She was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, and was most happy when with her family.

Survivors include her husband, Karsten; daughter Kristin Olson, her husband Brad and daughters Katie and Emily; son Erik, his wife Holly and daughter Lauren and son Jack; and sister, Linda Marquart and sons Matthew and Michael. Sharon was preceded in death by her parents; brother-in-law Clifford Marquart; and sister-in-law Karen John and husband Edward.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Bethesda Lutheran Church, 1517 Northwestern Ave., Ames, Iowa 50010.

Grandon Funeral and Cremation Care is entrusted with arrangements for Sharon and her family.

Pat Parker on Dec 8, 2022

Karsten and family,
The photo slide show was wonderful to watch. I got to see what lovely life Sharon led and how much she is loved. My last memory of her is from several years ago when I met her and Karsten by Mary Greeley. I was leaving; they were on their way in. She was wearing a white top, and Karsten had his arm around her. We stopped to visit and I remember thinking how breathtaking she was. Her sky-blue eyes were so direct, her blond hair was shining in the sun, and she was wearing a white shirt which made her seem almost luminous. I remember blurting out how beautiful she was. In my memory, she will always remain the epitome of a gracious woman, an involved mother, and someone her family could count on. I know her absence shall not be easily borne. What a testament to the love and regard she held in the hearts of those who were part of her life.
- Pat Parker

Ed Hendrickson on Dec 7, 2022

Dear Karsten and family, My sympathies to my long time friends.
Ed Hendrickson Okoboji

Joyce Hagley on Dec 5, 2022

Karsten,

Sorry for your loss. Take care of you.

Best,
Joyce Hagley (Admissions 1996-1997)

Dave Green on Dec 3, 2022

Erik and family. I'm sorry for your loss and pray for comfort in such a difficult time. Dave Green

Sandy Hunerdosse on Dec 3, 2022

Well this hurts my heart.
While carrying mail in the neighborhood I ran into Karsten and we would chat nearly everyday as we crossed paths. I met Sharon a couple of times as he chauffeured her around for ahoy ride, she was definitely lovely and a joy to see… I know how important she was to him by the twinkle in his eyes as he would talk about her or when he introduced us.
My sincerest thoughts are w him and all of those who loved her…

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Visitation

Dec
8
Thursday
Grandon Funeral and Cremation Care
414 Lincoln Way
Ames, IA 50010
4:00 PM - 6:00 PM


Service

Dec
9
Friday
Bethesda Lutheran Church
1517 Northwestern
Ames, Iowa 50010
10:30 AM


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