Trending
KINGSFORD -- Sharon Marie Scholke, 97, of Kingsford passed away on Sunday, Nov. 1, 2026, at Freeman Nursing & Rehabilitation Community in Kingsford.
Sharon was born Aug. 28, 1929, in New Britain, Conn., daughter of the late Clarence and Suzanne (O'Connor) Lanpher. A 1947 graduate of New Britain Senior High School, Sharon attended St. Joseph College in Connecticut, majoring in biology and chemistry, before obtaining her master's degree in education and library science at Northern Michigan University.
She married Donald Scholke on April 11, 1953; he preceded her in death on May 22, 2013.
Sharon worked as the librarian at Kingsford High School before retiring in 1990. A member of Oak Crest Golf Course and Pine Grove Country Club, she was an avid golfer, and she also enjoyed playing cards, especially bridge. Sharon also served her community, volunteering on the Dickinson County Memorial Hospital League, Dickinson Area Catholic School Board, the Dickinson County Library Board, as a Lady Elk, and at the library. A member of St. Mary Queen of Peace Catholic Church, Sharon spent many years singing in the church choir.
She is survived by her two sons, John (Jan) Scholke of Sheboygan, Wis., and Michael (Dolores) Scholke of Iron Mountain; her three daughters, Donna (Joseph) Carson of Kalkaska, Mich., Diane (Scott) Magnuson of Ishpeming, and Suzanne Scholke of Kingsford; eight grandchildren, Chris (Heidi) Scholke, Cara (Michael) Frank, Matthew (Brilyn) Scholke, Melissa Scholke, Joseph Jr. (Meagan) Carson, Anthony (Amy) Carson, Derrick (Jamie) Magnuson, Danielle (Josh) Cittadino and 14 great-grandchildren, Eli, Beckett, Mikhail, Ella, Max, Jacob, Bella, Ranger, Jaxsun, Miles, Lyn, Casey, Ava and Zach. She is further survived by her cousin, Mary (John) Mezzio, and her family as well as four nieces and their families.
In addition to her parents and husband, Sharon was also preceded in death by a grandson, Michael Scholke; and her aunt, Elizabeth Warren.
Visitation will be held from 9 to 10:30 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 6, at the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home in Iron Mountain, followed by a Memorial Mass at 11 a.m. at St. Mary Queen of Peace Catholic Church in Kingsford. Father Michael Woempner will officiate. Burial will be in Iron Mountain Cemetery Park.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Sharon's name to: The Dickinson County Library, 401 Iron Mountain St., Iron Mountain, MI 49801.
Condolences may be expressed to the family of Sharon M. Scholke online at www.ernashfuneralhomes.com.
The family has entrusted the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home of Iron Mountain with the arrangements.