Sharon Mae DePetro, age 83, of Willmar, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, April 22, at CentraCare Rice Memorial Hospital in Willmar from an apparent heart attack.

Funeral arrangements are pending with Peterson Brothers Funeral Home. www.petersonbrothers.com

Sharon Mae (Harris) DePetro was born August 27, 1942, to Maurice and Helen Harris in Omaha, Nebraska, at St. Joseph's Hospital. She grew up in Clarkson, Nebraska, and graduated from Clarkson High School in 1960, where she was a cheerleader for the Clarkson Red Devils.

Following high school, Sharon attended Wayne State College, majoring in Home Economics, before transferring to the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. She graduated in 1965 with a degree in Elementary Education. During her time at university, she was a proud member of the Alpha Delta Pi sorority and served as a twirler for the university.

Sharon began her teaching career in Omaha, where she taught elementary education for two years. She married William Angelo DePetro on July 23, 1966. The couple moved to Madison, Minnesota, where Sharon taught second grade and they began raising their family. In 1973, they moved to Kandiyohi, Minnesota, where Sharon was a devoted mother while also working as a substitute teacher.

Later in life, Sharon returned to school at St. Cloud State University, earning her master’s degree plus 30 additional credits in Special Education, graduating in 1994. She went on to teach special education at Atwater-Cosmos-Grove City Schools until her retirement.

Sharon enjoyed her retirement by spending time with her family and friends and traveling. Her family was at the heart of everything she did, and she rarely missed an opportunity to cheer on her grandchildren at their events. She found great joy in playing cards and sharing meals and laughter with friends. Sharon also had a special fondness for turtles and the moon, often reminding those she loved, “I love you to the moon and back.” Some of her favorite vacations were Italy, Hawaii, and Czech Republic River Cruise.

Sharon was a devoted servant of the Lord. She approached every aspect of her life with wholehearted dedication, giving her all to her career, her family, the children she taught, and the many friendships she formed along the way. Her kindness touched countless lives, and she was a shining example of unconditional love.

Sharon is survived by her husband, William DePetro; her children, James and Jennifer DePetro (Flower Mound, TX), and Nicole and Kyle Bauer (Saint Cloud, MN); her grandchildren, Sophia DePetro, Jack DePetro, Haley Guetter, Zakary Guetter, Hailey Bauer, and Logan Bauer; and her soon-to-arrive great-granddaughter, Adelai Mae Schacht.

Proceeded in death by her parents Maurice and Helen Harris, brother, William Harris, brother in law, Marvin Podany, and niece, Patricia Lenz.