July 7, 1943 - May 20, 2025
A funeral Mass for Sharon Schiltz, 81, of Algona, was held Saturday, May 24th, 2025, at 10:30 AM at Divine Mercy Parish ~ St. Cecelia Catholic Church in Algona. The Mass was livestreamed on the Divine Mercy Parish YouTube Page. Memorials may be directed to the Sharon K. Schiltz Memorial Fund, in which the family will distribute to her favorite charities in her memory.
Sharon Kay Schiltz was born July 7, 1943, in Algona, daughter of Leonard and Eleanor (Nauman) Klocke. She was in the first graduating class of Bishop Garrigan High School, Algona in 1960. Sharon was united in marriage to Donald E. Schiltz on October 5, 1960, at St. Cecelia Catholic Church in Algona. To this union of marriage four children were born. Brian, Gary, Bill, and Kris.
Sharon and Donald founded KOFAB in 1977, embarking on a journey to craft stainless steel food equipment, and products with precision and purpose. Guided by Donald’s vision and unwavering dedication to quality and craftsmanship, they, along with their family, built a company that would earn respect and recognition around the world. throughout the years, Sharon and Donald took great pride and working alongside their three sons (Brian, Gary, & Bill), who joined them in bringing the companies mission to life each day. For Sharon, there was a unique joy in having her daughter Kris by her side. As her only daughter, they shared a deep and special connection.
Sharon was born into a humble family, but she lived a life of remarkable strength, grace, and tireless devotion. She built a life, rooted in hard work, love, and enduring values of perseverance, and pride in one’s labor. She poured her heart into everything she did, creating not only a home but a legacy. A woman of quite determination and extraordinary vision, Sharon found joy both within and beyond the walls of her home. She taught her four children, the power of strong work ethic… Not with words alone, but through her example. No task was ever too small, and none too great. Whether it was a household chore or a grand outdoor project, Sharon met with unmatched dedication and desire for excellence. She had a special love for working in the soil, designing her land, landscapes with the elegance and beauty of European gardens.
Though she never traveled far, she brought the world to her doorstep, transforming her property into a living campus of culture, creativity, and care. Every flower, stone, and pathway were a reflection of her spirit, intentional, thoughtful, and lovingly placed. Sharon was never afraid to get her hands dirty or to work her body into exhaustion if it meant making something better, more beautiful. To her, a good day ended with tired muscles, a satisfied heart, and a yard that blossom with beauty. Her property was her pride, a living testament to her artistry, her labor, and the love she poured into every inch of it. Sharon’s legacy lives on in the values that she instilled, the beauty she created, and the love she gave so freely to her family and friends. Her life reminds us that the true elegance comes not from ease, but from effort. And that the most beautiful places are those built with passion, purpose, and heart. Sharon will be deeply missed, but her spirit will continue to bloom in every garden, every project, and every life she has touched.
Sharon’s greatest pride and joys was her family. She cherished her children, adored her grandchildren, and was overjoyed to welcome great grandchildren into her life. Her heart was fullest when she was surrounded by the family she and Donald lovingly built. She left them with a legacy of love, faith, laughter, and togetherness.
Sharon K Schiltz passed away unexpectedly yet peacefully, at her home on Tuesday, May 20, 2025. Her beloved estate was not only a place of comfort and peace, but also reflection of her care and devotion, nurtured with love and attention to every detail.
She is survived by her four children, Brian (Cindy) Schiltz of Livermore, Gary (Colleen) Schiltz of Granger, Bill (Ann) Schiltz of Algona, and Kris Schiltz of Algona; 13 grandchildren and 28 great-grandchildren, Andrea (Kevin) Ault their children Henry, Howie, Hannah, Hutch, and Hayes; Lindsay (Michael) Klinehart their children Landyn, Nolyn, and Jordyn; Brandon (Hannah) Schiltz their children Clara and Josephine; Kristina (Cory deceased) Stephens her child Kassidy and step-children Wyatt, Isabella, and Olivia; Andrew (Abbey) Schiltz their children, Lee and Luka; Parker Schiltz; Billy (Brittany) Schiltz their children Ellie and Suzie; Mallory (Thomas) Foy their children Maksim and Thea; Kassidy Schiltz her children, Tilden and Kassen; Jordan (Brooke) Springer their children Cullen and Hudson; Jessica (T.J.) Olsen their children Charlie and Emmett; Joshua (Danielle) Springer and children Aiden and Axtyn; and Jackson Springer. She is also survived by two sisters and a brother, Maxine (Chuck) Studer, Rita Schwartzenbach, and Chuck Klocke; her sister and brother-in-law, Mary (Don) Schmidt, Cecelia (Dick) Plathe, Leon (Polly) Schiltz, Theresa Schiltz; and Audrey Schiltz; and many nieces, nephews, and other relatives.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Don on June 29, 2007; a brother, Donnie Klocke; and three brothers-in-law, Robert Schiltz, John Schiltz, and Walter “Gene” Schiltz.
Sharon was deeply grateful for the unwavering support and friendship of Steve Braddock and Tara Uhlenhop who were like family to her. They truly were her right hands in caring for her property.
Oakcrest Funeral Services of Algona in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be made to www.oakcrestfuneralservices.com.