Sharon Kay Kleinschmit
YANKTON, S.D. — Sharon Kay Kleinschmit, 72, Yankton, S.D., died Nov.13, 2022, at her home surrounded by her family. Sharon struggled with many health issues throughout her life. She was strong, brave, and courageously fought until the very end.
Mass of Christian Burial was Nov 18 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Yankton, with Rev. Bob Lacey ociating.
Burial was in Sts. Peter and Paul Cemetery, Bow Valley. Visitation, with a rosary and vigil service, was Nov. 17 at the Wintz & Ray Funeral Home, Yankton, and continues one hour prior the funeral at the church.
Pallbearers were Sharon’s eight grandchildren, Douglas Jr., Lucus and Erik Kleinschmit, Dylan and Mason Sharon Kleinschmit Ste#en, Christian and Brooklynn Gall and Carter Teply. Honorary pallbearer was Sharon's great-grandson, Gaven Hayden.
Sharon was born March 24, 1950, to Roy and Vlasta (Svarc) Christensen
in Yankton, S.D. Sharon has one younger brother, Leonard, who a#ection ately referred to her as “Kay.” Sharon grew up in Yankton and graduated from Yankton High School in 1968. The following year, Sharon married the love of her life, Gerald "Jerry" Kleinschmit June 7, 1969, at Sacred Heart Church. Jerry and Sharon have four children, Douglas Sr., Shiela, Sherri and Geraldine. Jerry and Sharon made their home close to Jerry's parents near Bow Valley. Sharon always considered this her home even after the family moved to Yankton in 1992.
Sharon’s life work was dedicated to raising her four children, which she did while Jerry worked as an over-the-road truck driver. As Sharon’s children grew up, she then started working as a waitress. Sharon worked at
Sunshine Cafe, the Western Grill and Yesterday's Café. She was an incred ibly hard worker and developed many wonderful relationships while she worked as a waitress. She always cherished those relationships. Sharon loved looking for treasures and enjoyed going to rummage sales and shop-
ping at the "GW" (Goodwill).
Sharon is survived by her loving husband, Jerry Kleinschmit, Yankton,
S.D.; children, Douglas (Lori) Kleinschmit, Hartford, S.D.; Shiela Ste#en (Todd Quatier, Mission Hill, S.D.; Sherri (Adam) Gall, Norfolk; and Ger aldine (Tom) Teply, Yankton, S.D.; her grandchildren, Douglas Jr, Lucus
and Erik Kleinschmit, Dylan (Darrah) and Mason Ste#en, Sally and Nathan Quatier, Christian and Brooklynn Gall, Carter Teply, Lisa Mayfield and Jeremy Meyer: great-grandson, Gaven Kleinschmit; and brother, Leonard
(Kathy) Christensen.
Sharon was preceded in death by her parents, Roy and Vlasta Chris-
tensen; her father and mother in-law, Gerald and Irene Kleinschmit; and
her friend and sister-in-law, Pat Kleinschmit in May 2022.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred.