Sharon Margaret Jonas

Sharon Margaret Jonas passed away peacefully the evening of December 29, 2025. 

Sharon was born on October 25, 1939, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to Margaret (Jonas) and Harold Schiefelbein. When she was still very young, her family moved to Dunbar, Wisconsin, where she spent about ten years before returning to Milwaukee—a place that would remain home for much of her life.

In 1959, Sharon met David Kurczewski, and the two married shortly after. Together they raised four children. During those early years, Sharon focused on her family and on creating a warm, loving home. She especially enjoyed sewing, cooking, and baking for her family, a way she showed care and love every day. Sharon and David later divorced, but family always remained central to her life.

As her children grew older, Sharon returned to one of her greatest passions—art. She began working at a local art gallery restoring oil paintings, which sparked her desire to go back to school. Sharon attended the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee to pursue a degree in fine art, where she also formed many meaningful lifelong friendships. Those friendships led to a rewarding career as the staff artist at Columbia Hospital, where she worked until her retirement. Outside of work, Sharon was a talented and successful oil painter, selling artwork through juried art shows throughout Wisconsin and Illinois.

Never one to shy away from a challenge, Sharon took up jogging and even completed a half marathon—something she was quite proud of. 

Sharon also loved working with her hands. She enjoyed sewing her own clothes, gardening, and remodeling her home, and was remarkably skilled as a finish carpenter, furniture refinisher, and upholsterer. Her creativity showed in everything she touched. More than anything, Sharon loved being with her family. Whether everyone was gathered in her cute little home, celebrating holidays, or just sharing everyday moments, those times together meant the world to her.

Sharon is survived by her children: David (Danuta) Kurczewski Jr., Jana (John) Chingway, Robert (Gloria) Kurczewski, and Jill (Allan McFayden) Kurczewski; her eight grandchildren: John Kurczewski, Brandon (Ashley) Kurczewski, Jake (Jamie Fujinaka) Kurczewski, Broderick Niesing, Anthony Kurczewski, Maya (Lonnie) Garlock, Nathaniel (Madison) Schroeter, and Alex Schroeter; and her great-grandson, Otz Garlock. She is also survived by her sister, Jane (Fred) Ramge; brothers: James Schiefelbein, Joseph (Kathy) Schiefelbein, and Mark (Jennifer) Schiefelbein; sisters-in-law, Frances Schiefelbein and Bertha Schiefelbein; and many nieces and nephews who loved her dearly.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her siblings; Holly Ann Schiefelbein, Allan (Bertha) Schiefelbein, and Dennis (Frances) Schiefelbein.

The family will celebrate Sharon’s life with a private event in March. The details will be announced at a later date. She leaves behind a family who loved her deeply and will carry her memory with them always.