Sharon K. Friet R.N. age 76 of West Salem, WI, passed away at her home on Wednesday, May 26, 2021 from her long fight with cancer. She was surrounded by her husband and two sons at the time of her passing.

Sharon was born in St. Joseph (Rural Lacrosse) on January 19, 1945 to Peter & Marie (Hundt) Schmidt and graduated from Aquinas High school. She later married Richard "Rich" Friet of Middle Ridge on October 26, 1963.

Sharon & Rich moved to St. Joseph after they purchased the St. Joe's Country Market in the early 70's. She always greeted everyone with a smile and maybe a little B.S. While owning the store they started an on the farm butchering service & installed gas pumps. They ran the store for eight years. They also formed a local girls softball team with Rich as the coach. This team lasted for 10 years or so. Lots of good times kicking other teams' butts. Sharon always had a passion for caring for others and wanted to be a nurse. So they sold the store and Sharon went to nursing school at Western Wisconsin Technical College and graduated as an R.N. in 1982. She worked in many different areas; Surgical, OBGYN and ended up finding her true passion with Hospice (Home Health Care). She did this for 30 plus years until her retirement from Mayo Clinic. The Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration heard about her loving, caring soul and were able to talk her into coming out of retirement a couple days a week until her illness prevented it.

Sharon was an avid gardener, always wanting to be outdoors in all seasons. She spent decades creating a beautiful garden along the La Crosse River. She truly would light up a room as soon as she entered; ask anyone! Her gentle, kind, huge heart loved spending time with family any chance she had. She very much enjoyed traveling and spending time with her friends.

Sharon was preceded in death by: her Mother Marie; her Father Peter; two sisters: Loretta, Millie; and one Brother Peter.

She is survived by husband Richard "Rich"; sons: Joseph "Joe", Robert "Bob" (Carla) Friet, grandchildren: Noah, Melissa, Trevor & Cole; great granddaughter Ariyah; her Brothers: Alan, Jerome and Jim; along with sisters: Betty, Donna, Eunice and Evelyn.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 1:00 P.M. on Friday, June 4, 2021 at St. Leo The Great Catholic Church in West Salem, WI. Rev. Raja Kennedy will officiate. Private family burial will take place at a later date. Friends may call on the family Friday morning at the church from 10:00 A.M. until the time of services. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred and will be donated in Sharon's memory. Online guestbook may be signed at www.schumacher-kish.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by La Crosse Tribune on May 30, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for Sharon Friet

Sponsored by Schumacher-Kish Funeral and Cremation Services - La Crosse.

17 Entries

Paula Adkins

June 7, 2021

I am so sorry for your Loss, my aunt Sharon was a beautiful woman and great person. I sure will miss her even though we seen each other mostly at wedding, funerals and reunions. Love, your niece Paula Adkins (Schmidt)

Pam Schams

June 7, 2021

My dear Aunt Sharon - How fortunate for me to have been the flower girl in her marriage to Rich in 1963. We wrote to each other every Christmas for as long as I can remember. She always addressed me as her flower girl, even to the end. Sharon was a bright ray of sunshine and radiated joy and positivity everywhere she went. How lucky I was to have an Aunt like her. And heaven is even luckier to get her. RIP Aunt Sharon. Your sweet spirit will long be admired and remembered.

Donna Warren

June 6, 2021

So sorry for your loss. I knew Sharon from when she worked in Home Care and Hospice. She always was very friendly to me and I enjoyed talking to her.

Karen Voight

June 4, 2021

I worked with Sharon in Home Care at Mayo. She was a quiet hero, not famous but incredibly humbled. She was brave and very strong. It was an honor to have worked with her

Always a smile and so much fun!

Tamra Dickinson

June 4, 2021

Dressed for a tea party.

Tamra Dickinson

June 4, 2021

Tamra Dickinson

June 4, 2021

Sharon was always a joy to work with. Her green thumb was appreciated by many. She will be missed. I worked with Sharon at St Rose Convent. So very sorry for your loss!

Gene and Leslie Shumann

June 3, 2021

Rich and family,
We will always remember Sharon for her smile that brightened up the room when she walked in. She had the ability to make you feel at ease even in difficult health care circumstances with her caring ways. Our thoughts and prayers are with you through this difficult journey.

Scott & Laurie Perry

June 3, 2021

Rick and family,
Sharon was of the nicest people we ever met. She was always kind and smiling and always had a few minutes to stop and chat as she walked up & down Hidden River Road. She will definitely be missed. I remember Sharon from the Ridge and the grocery store while Scott remembers her as being a good neighbor. Your family is in our prayers during these difficult days. Our deepest condolences ~ God Bless.

Vicki Degenhardt

June 2, 2021

Rich and family...so sorry for your loss. I always enjoyed visiting with Sharon who always had a smile and enjoyed having a good time. I first got to know her when I worked in Internal Med at Mayo Clinic and she worked in Home Care at that time. We ran into each other many times thru the years..could be a rummage sale, the grocery store, or even on a boat ride to Dubuque! My sincerest sympathy to you.

Vicki Degenhardt

June 2, 2021

In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.

Jeannie Kendhammer

June 1, 2021

I was in nursing school with Sharon and our paths crossed many times in our careers until I was with her in home care at FSH. She always had a smile and cheer for others. She will be missed. Lovely lady.

Dee Paque

June 1, 2021

Sharon was a classmate. We would often run into each other up at the Ridgeview Restaurant. Always fun to see her. RIP.

Paula Dammon

May 31, 2021

I had one of my RN clinicals with Sharon when I was going to nursing school years ago. I have always remembered that day that I spent with her. She is a wonderful nurse to learn from and made the day fun! Beautiful inside and out❤ My condolences to the family.

Michael Hundt

May 30, 2021

Wonderful, lovely person.

Pat Ebel

May 30, 2021

She was always so positive and so generous and a true friend. Some of my best memories were times we spent together. She will be missed by so many. I was blessed to have her as a true friend. Love you, Sharon.❤

Joyce Heil

May 28, 2021

My deep condolences to the family. Sharon and I worked together at st Rose convent. She was always a joy to work with and dearly loved the Sisters. Her living, caring spirit will be missed. Blessings on family and friends.

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