Sharon J. Risberg

1940 - 2025

Sharon J. Risberg

December 3, 1940 - August 6, 2025

Sharon Jonette Risberg, age 84 of Eau Claire, passed away on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, at Mayo Clinic Health System in Eau Claire. She was born on December 3, 1940, to the late Nobel and Gladys Olson in Menomonie, Wisconsin.

Sharon was a graduate of Colfax High School - class of 1958. After high school, she attended some classes at the local technical school. She would move to Minneapolis and meet James (Jim) Jahnke. They married on November 5, 1960, and would have 2 children, Robyn and Jeffrey. The family moved to Eau Claire and then to Gilman, Wisconsin in 1970.

Sharon and Jim would later divorce but remained friends. Sharon moved back to Eau Claire in 1980 and would meet Robert (Bob) Risberg. They married on December 31, 1987.

Sharon worked most of her career as an administrative assistant at the Eau Claire County Sheriff's Department and retired in 2004. During this time, she graduated from Vocational, Technical and Adult Education District One in the Law Enforcement Basic Recruit Training Program for Part-Time Officers. She was then certified as a Deputy Sheriff, which expanded her role within the department.

Sharon had a deep spiritual belief which led to her involvement in her church and community. In Gilman, she was a Sunday School Teacher and Church Elder, Girl Scout Coordinator, Boy Scout Planning Committee member, Lioness Club Officer and Charter Member. In Eau Claire, she was a Triniteam Volunteer, Lutheran Sight Saving Service League member, along with the following involvement at Saving Grace Lutheran Church: Church Council, Co-Chair of the Board of Worship and Music, Church Management Committee, Discipleship Committee, Funeral Committee Server, Office Volunteer, Usher, Women's Bizarre, and Women's Ice Cream Social. In addition, Sharon was faithful in making contributions to her church, as well as organizations that advocated for animals, the environment, children, and health.

Sharon loved to learn new things by reading and taking advantage of courses in her communities and by traveling with her family. She had a passion for flowers and gardening which is evident in the multiple gardens at her home. This passion also led to her co-facilitating the Class of 1958 Memorial Garden in Colfax which she helped create and maintain for the past 15 years.

Survivors include her daughter Robyn (Ken Knox) Criego; grandchildren: Elizaebeth (Randall) Kolpien, Austen (Miranda) Jahnke and Samantha (Jacob) Erdman; sister Nola Gotliebson; brothers and sisters-in-law: Monyne (Dave) Cotton, Mike (Sue) Jahnke and Tom Jahnke; nieces and nephews: Lisa Gotliebson, Kyle (Sherry) Gotliebson and Chad Gotliebson; Bob's children: Jenny (Scott) Schoepel, Roy (Jennifer) Risberg and Nate Risberg.

Preceding her in death are her parents, stepfather Lawrence Johnson, husband Bob Risberg, former husband Jim Jahnke, son Jeffrey Jahnke, grandson Justin Jahnke, father and mother-in-law Kenneth and Dorothy Jahnke and sister-in-law Diana Jahnke.

Sharon's family would like to thank the entire team at Mayo Clinic Health System who gave her ultimate care and provided support and compassion to her and her family. Also special thanks to Pastor David Irgens, Pastor Daniel Doran and her neighbor, Joe.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, August 18, 2025, at Saving Grace Lutheran Church, 3735 Jeffers Rd., Eau Claire with Pastor David Irgens officiating. Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. until time of service. Private burial will take place at Lakeview Cemetery, Eau Claire.

Memorial donations may be made in her name to the Music Fund or Children's Ministry and Nursery -Saving Grace Lutheran Church, 3735 Jeffers Rd., Eau Claire, 54703.

Cremation Society of Wisconsin, Altoona is assisting the family. Online condolences may be shared at www.cremationsociety-wi.com.