Kurtis L Sharar

Kurtis L. Sharar passed away peacefully, after a brief hospitalization, on July 11, 2025, in Mesa, AZ.

Kurtis was born in Estherville, Iowa on July 24, 1949. He was lovingly raised by his grandparents, Helen and Glen Sharar. He developed his love of the outdoors, plants and cooking in his childhood years. After graduation from high school, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. Kurtis served in Vietnam receiving several medals for his bravery and duty while serving in the Marines. After his honorable discharge, he returned to Iowa. Kurtis worked various jobs in Iowa and Colorado, before moving to Arizona. There he pursued a career in quality control engineering, during this time he met his future wife Cheryl on a blind date in 1992. The couple were married in 2001. Kurtis then returned to one of his first "Loves"- cooking. He became a chef, graduating from Scottsdale Culinary Institute. He continued to create recipes and cook for his family and friends for the remainder of his life.

He leaves behind his loving wife of 24 years Cheryl; stepdaughter Michelle and her husband Michael; stepson Robert and his girlfriend Maria; brother Bruce and his wife Staci and family; sister Michele and her husband Matt and family; plus multiple family members and numerous friends.

Kurtis was preceded in death by his son Matthew, sister Diana, nephew Rick, grandparents and mother Florraine Ring.