Sharon Kay Jarecke

Sharon K. Jarecke, 83, of Grand Island, NE, died peacefully on Saturday, May 10, 2025, at Good Samaritan Society – Grand Island Village.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, May 19, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church. The Revs. Robin Bashir, Donald Buhrman, Mark Maresh, Sidney Bruggeman, and James Janovec will concelebrate the Mass.

In accordance with her wishes, her body will be cremated following the Mass, with a private family inurnment at St. Libory’s Catholic Cemetery.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, May 18, 2025, from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, followed by a Vigil Service at 5:00 p.m.

Peters Funeral Home of St. Paul is assisting the family.

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of our beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, and dear friend, following a courageous battle with memory decline beyond typical aging and cancer. She passed away peacefully, comforted by two of her children, after years of facing life’s challenges with unwavering strength, grace, and resilience.

Sharon was the last surviving child of John and Kathryn (Donovan) Rock. Family had always been incredibly important to her, perhaps due to the untimely loss of her parents at a young age. This tragedy created a deep bond between the Rock siblings, and they made it a priority to spend as much time together as possible. Whether it was a holiday, a weekend, or a simple Sunday afternoon, they seized every opportunity to gather, support one another, and create lasting memories. Their shared experiences and commitment to staying connected reflected the strength and unity that defined their family.

Sharon was born on June 16, 1941 in Grand Island, NE. She grew up on a farm in the St. Libory area, attended St. Mary’s school, and graduated from Grand Island Central Catholic High School in 1959. After earning her certificate from Mary Jane’s School of Beauty in 1960, Sharon began her career as a beautician and subsequently obtained her instructor license. She was called to educate and guide students at the Beauty School of Expertise. Her compassionate nature and caring approach made her a beloved mentor, and many of her former students fondly recall the lasting impact she had on their lives. While building her career, Sharon raised six children. She enjoyed styling the hair of her patrons and family members, always offering her time with love, laughter, care, and devotion. Outside of the shop, her love of cooking and baking brought friends and family together around the kitchen table, where countless lasting memories were made.

She was a faithful Catholic and a lifelong member of Blessed Sacrament Church. Her deep love of God, family, and tradition was reflected in her every action. She shared her time and talent in multiple ways. Her favorite activity was participating in the handbell choir.

She took pride in her Irish heritage, and experienced profound joy in laughter as well as time spent with family and friends. She was blessed with many opportunities to see the world, traveling to Ireland, Rome, France, South Africa, Japan, Canada, and Hawaii, and explored many states within the continental US.

She is survived by her husband, Richard Jack Jarecke, and their six children: Jay Jarecke of Grand Island, NE; Chris (Brian) Bohuslavsky of Colorado Springs, CO; Tony (Kerry Garwood) Jarecke of Colorado Springs, CO; Jamie (Scott) Ostdiek of Tempe, AZ; Jeremy (Jodi) Jarecke of Colorado Springs, CO; Jessica (Brandon) Meyer of Fountain, CO. Others left to cherish her memory include her grandchildren: Caleb Jarecke, Garet (Sarah) Bohuslavsky, AJ Bohuslavsky, Kyle Bohuslavsky, Sean (Corrine Coulter) Bohuslavsky, Jack Jarecke, Gabe Ostdiek, Rachel Ostdiek, Eli Ostdiek, Ellie Jarecke, Ben Jarecke, Jane Jarecke, Sam Jarecke, Huxley Meyer, Emerix Meyer; and great-grandchildren, Lincoln and Sadie Bohuslavsky; as well as her brother-in-law Bill Werner and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her daughter Felicia, who was born at rest, siblings Pat Rock, Sue Rohweder, Rosemary Werner, Jean Rock, brother-in-law, Norm Rohweder, and sister-in-law, Shirley Rock, and many other close relatives.

Her family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to all who held her in their thoughts and prayers throughout her journey.

In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations to Grand Island Central Catholic Foundation, or simply asks that you honor her memory with acts of kindness, love, and laughter.