Junice Rae Sharar

Junice Rae Sharar, 77, passed away on December 6, 2024, in Pella, Iowa. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, December 10, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Anthony's Catholic Church in Knoxville, Iowa. A visitation will take place at 10:00 a.m. prior to the service. Lunch will be provided at the church following services. Junice will be interred in St. Anthony's Cemetery during a private ceremony with immediate family.
Junice was born on October 27, 1947, to Donald and Viola Flattum in Thief River Falls, Minnesota. She spent her childhood there attending St. Bernard's Catholic School and later Lincoln High School, where she graduated with the Class of 1965. Following high school, Junice enrolled in Thief River Falls Community College.
Once she completed her education, Junice took a job with State Farm Insurance. During her time there, she went on a blind date with a young man by the name of Richard Sharar in April of 1968. A short six months later, Junice and Richard were married on October 12, 1968. After getting married, she moved to Knoxville, Iowa, where Richard was teaching in the Twin Cedars Community School District. This marriage was blessed with three children. Junice spent the children's early years working as a homemaker. In 1975, Junice began her employment at 3M where she worked for over 30 years before her retirement in 2008.
Countless memories were made with her children and grandchildren making her cinnamon rolls, homemade noodles, and her family's traditional Norwegian foods. Summers always involved enjoying Junice's fried chicken and often requested potato salad.
Junice was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, known for her exceptional kindness and selfless nature. Her greatest joy in life was being surrounded by family, and she especially adored her grandchildren, cherishing every moment with them. Whether attending their activities, sharing laughter, or simply enjoying time together. Camping with the family and long weekends at the Amana Holiday Inn was always a cherished time. She loved sitting on the deck eating popsicles with her loved ones, relishing the simple pleasures of life. She was also an avid sports fan who enjoyed watching the Hawkeyes and the Cyclones as well as anything softball and hockey.
Junice is survived by her husband, Richard; children: Jennifer (Chris) Arnold, Krista (Kenny) Clark, and Troy (Jen) Sharar; grandchildren: Callie (Jeremy) French, Ethan Arnold, Sydney Clark, Cole Sharar, Jonathan Clark, and Carly Sharar; and her sisters, Virginia Rupkus and Jeanne (Melvin) Sauve.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Donald and Viola Flattum.
Memorials in Junice's name may be directed to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or Wounded Warrior Project.