Sharon Kay Holstad

Sharon Kay (Craig) Holstad was born on July 1, 1939, in Colon, Nebraska. She was baptized in the Methodist church in Stewart, Nebraska, and later confirmed into the Lutheran faith at Grace Lutheran Church in Hanlontown, Iowa.

Sharon graduated from Hanlontown High School in 1957. She then attended LaJames Beauty School in Mason City, Iowa, and went on to open her own beauty shop in Hanlontown.

Throughout her career, Sharon worked at the Manly Care Center for 10 years and at the Lutheran Retirement Home for two years as a beauty operator. Later, she made a career change and became a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), working for 14 years at the Lutheran Retirement Home until her retirement in 2001.

Sharon met the love of her life, Duane, at the Surf Ballroom in Clear Lake. The two were married in 1963 at Grace Lutheran Church in Hanlontown. To this union, three children were born: Pamala, Mark, and Carol.

They shared a love of dancing and often moved the kitchen table aside to make room to dance together and with their daughters.

Sharon enjoyed sewing and found great joy in creating outfits for her grandchildren. She also loved knitting and crocheting. Together, Sharon and Duane enjoyed camping, bowling, roller skating, and traveling.

Sharon was a devoted member of Elk Creek Lutheran Church, where she taught Sunday School and Vacation Bible School for many years. She also served as a 4-H leader, sharing her time and talents with youth in the community.

Left to cherish her memory are her husband, Duane; and their children: Pam (Pete) Leinen of Harlan, Iowa; Mark (Mary) Holstad of Kensett, Iowa; and Carol (Joe) Wetter of Rock Falls, Iowa.

She is also lovingly remembered by her grandchildren: Alicia (Josh) Yoder of Melbourne, Florida, and their children, Ryder and Brielle; Courtney (Perry) Krager of Colorado Springs, Colorado, and their daughter, Paxton; Brittany Leinen of Des Moines, Iowa; Brandon Leinen of Harlan, Iowa; Mindy (Justin) Perkins of New Castle, Colorado; Tyler Holstad and his special friend, Nicole, of Northwood, Iowa; Gabriel Wetter of Orlando, Florida; and Owen Wetter of Rock Falls, Iowa. Brother-in-law, Irwin Holstad, of Gilbert, Arizona, and sister-in-law, Marlene Hansen, St. Paul, Minnesota.

Sharon was preceded in death by her parents, Chester and Izetta Craig; her sister, Billie JoAnn Naugle and her husband, Harold Naugle, her parents-in-law, Carl and Myrtle Holstad, several brothers-in-law and two sisters-in-law.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, July 25, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Elk Creek Lutheran Church in Kensett, Iowa, presiding is Pastor Linda Johnson - Prestholt . A visitation will take place one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial will be at Elk Creek Cemetery.