Sharon LaVonne Mills
Friday, July 7, 1944
Date of Death:
Saturday, March 25, 2023
Age:
78 years old
Visitation
Date: Thursday March 30, 2023
Time: 10:00 am - 11:00 am
Location: River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home [ view map ]
Funeral Service
Date: Thursday March 30, 2023
Time: 11:00 am
Location: River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home [ view map ]
Live Stream
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Friday, July 7, 1944
Date of Death:
Saturday, March 25, 2023
Age:
78 years old
Friday, July 7, 1944
Date of Death:
Saturday, March 25, 2023
Age:
78 years old
Sharon LaVonne Mills
Sharon LaVonne (Gottschalk) Mills, 78, of Rochester, MN, passed away peacefully in her sleep on Saturday, March 25, 2023, at St. Mary’s Hospital.
Sharon was born July 7, 1944 in Rochester, MN to Alvin and Lucille (King) Gottschalk into a family with seven other siblings. In her early years she enjoyed making pencil sketches and listening to Elvis Presley, by far her favorite musician. She graduated from John Marshall High School in 1962. In 1964 she married Jim Postier, residing in Norfolk, Virginia where Jim was stationed before moving back home to Rochester in 1966. She and Jim had three children: Jim, Julie and Janell.
After the passing of her first husband, Sharon embarked on a career as a caregiver at Woodside Nursing Home where she met her future husband, Wesley E. Mills. Sharon and Wes were married in 1981 and had a daughter, Jaime, together in 1983. Although working very long hours, Sharon always made time to tend to her rose bushes and vegetable garden. Throughout her life, she enjoyed many pet cats, collecting cardinal figurines, canning vegetables and drying her laundry outside for a fresh, crisp smell. Her pumpkin and banana cream pies were legendary.
Besides caregiving at both Woodside and Maple Manor Nursing Homes, Sharon spent several years working at Joann Fabrics, pursuing an occupation that brought her closer to her favorite pastimes, quilting and sewing. Upon retiring, Sharon joined a weekly quilting group at Bethel Lutheran Church. Be it at the nursing home, fabric store or quilting group, Sharon always exuded joy and always had a smile. Anyone visiting with her truly knew she cared for them. She took pride in making blankets and pillowcases for her grandchildren.
While she is enjoying heaven, Sharon is survived by her husband, Wes, and children: Jim (Beth) Postier of Kasson, Julie Postier of Rochester, Janell (Adam) Slifka of Rochester and Jaime (Brandon) Janzen of Rochester and 7 grandchildren: Andre, Aubrey, Dominic, Anslee, Ryley, Jayden and Blake. She was preceded in death by her previous husband James D. Postier and her younger brother Ronnie.
The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the amazing staff of the 10th floor, Nasseff Tower. The PCAs, Nurses and others exhibited tremendous compassion and round-the-clock care in Sharon’s time of need.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am on Thursday, March 30 in the River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home, 1105, 12th St. SE Rochester, MN. Visitation will precede the service by one hour at 10:00 am. After the service, burial will occur at Grandview Memorial Gardens. A luncheon will follow at 1:00 pm.
In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations to an animal charity in honor of Sharon’s love of animals.
Online condolences are welcome at www.mackenfuneralhome.com.
Condolences
The family of Sharon LaVonne Mills has received the following condolences.
Wes and family,
So sorry to hear of the loss of my dear cousin Sharon. Had not known she had passed until reading in the Saturday paper. Sharon and her bro. Roger were the closest
to my brother David and me than the rest of Sharon's siblings. David and I were the children of Uncle Alvin's brother Vernon. I remember playing a lot with those two
when we were little. Many times throughout the years, I would run into Sharon and we would have a nice visit. She will surely be missed. I surely would have been to her
funeral had I known. May God be with you all at this very sad time. We express our deepest sympathy to you and your children.
Cousin Audrey and hubby Bud
Loved working with you Sharon. You were such a loving caregiver for all the residents at MM. We had some good laughs together. Your going to a much better place...wait for us to come see you again. Say HI to Wes T. When you get up there. God bless all your family and comfort them!!!
Wes and Family,
we are very sorry for your loss.. cherish all the memories and know that she is at peace. Prayers for the family.
Tammy and Michael Lewis
Wes -Jamie and family,
I am so sorry to read about your great loss. Keep the faith and BELIEVE.
As Always ,
Sharon Colleran-King
We are so sorry for your loss, Sharon was a fun person, we shared many coffee times, at her house or my house. R.I.P. Sharon. Remember all the memories, they fill the void. God Bless everyone.
So sorry to read this news. I worked with Sharon for several years, and she was an absolute sweetheart. My deep condolences to Wes and the children. God be with you!
Sharon
May you be at peace within. you were a great person.
I worked with Sharon at Joann Fabrics for many years.
We had many laughs and great stories we could tell.
We always called ourselves the old ladies because we were the oldest ones there.
When I go to join her we can have some more laughs.
God Bless you and love to you.
Shari
Thinking of you and your family during this time of grief. You all are in my prayers.
Wes and family, Hopefully she is at peace, and in no more pain. My heart is with you at this time. Please accept my warmest condolences. HUGS Peggy Shotliff Chaska, MN.