Sharon Schwartz

Funeral Mass for Sharon Schwartz, 74, of Dickinson, formerly of Richardton, will be 9:30 am Friday, January 5, 2024 at St. Mary Catholic Church in Richardton with Father Thomas Wordekemper, OSB celebrating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

Visitation for Sharon will be held from 5:00 - 6:00 pm Thursday, January 4, 2024 at Stevenson Funeral Home in Dickinson with a Rosary and Vigil being held at 6:00 pm.

Sharon passed away Monday, December 25, 2023 at her home in Dickinson surrounded by her family.

Sharon Kay Hanel was born in Dickinson on May 12, 1949, the daughter of Laudie and Emma (Kadrmas) Hanel. As a young girl, she attended country school in the South Heart area and later graduated from South Heart High School in 1967.  Following graduation, she became an employee with Dickinson Credit Bureau, where she also met Rick Schwartz. On October 18, 1968, Sharon married her lifetime partner, Elbert Rick Schwartz in St. Mary’s Church of Richardton. Together they began their life as farmer/ranchers, making their home on the Schwartz farm north of Richardton. They were blessed with three children who they proudly raised in the country. Sharon and Rick enjoyed the adventures of farming until they retired to Dickinson in 2008. 

Sharon had a huge selfless heart and loved living life. Outdoors she enjoyed trapshooting, hunting, fishing and collecting antiques. Indoors she enjoyed dancing, singing, baking and spending time with friends and family. Sharon attended her grandkids activities/sports, always being very proud of them and sharing their accomplishments. She was involved in 4-H and helped with fundraisers for St. Mary’s Church. Sharon will be missed and forever loved.

Sharon was extremely brave in her fight against cancer. She endured many chemotherapy treatments and doctor appointments over the past 14 months. No matter how challenging life got, Sharon always kept a smile on her face. She loved living life and made so many friends in this journey, especially her care team at the Sanford Clinic/Infusion Center. Sharon was easy to love and will be greatly missed by her family and friends.

Sharon is survived by her husband, Rick of 55 years; son, Todd (Kari) Schwartz of Lino Lakes, MN and their children, Abbi and Ethan Schwartz; daughters, Kelly (Kurt) Bender of Ham Lake, MN and their children, Taylor, Peyton and Reese Bender; Tracy (Mike) Fischer of Dickinson and their children, Brett, Lauren and Zoey Fischer; brothers, Wilbur Hanel, Clarence (Kathy) Hanel both of Dickinson.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Laudie and Emma Hanel; sisters, Elizabeth Kolling and Elaine Kuntz.