Sharon L Steffen

April 20, 1944 – April 15, 2026

Sharon Steffen, a devoted mother, grandmother, sister and friend, passed away peacefully at the age of 81, surrounded by the love of her family.

Born on April 20, 1944, in Melrose, Minnesota, Sharon was the beloved daughter of Herman and Rita Ostendorf, both of whom preceded her in death. She was also preceded in death by her husband, Philip Steffen.

Sharon is lovingly remembered by her children: Jean (Steve) Akrivos, Lisa (Shawn) Longson, and Roger (Zenta Pakulis) Steffen. She was a proud grandmother to Alexander (Sara) Akrivos, Nicholas Akrivos, Benjamin (Lindsay) Longson, Ryan Longson, Oliver Pakulis-Steffen, Lilita Pakulis-Steffen, and Marite Pakulis-Steffen, and was especially excited to welcome her great-grandson, Sonny Akrivos, this past year.

She is also survived by her sisters Kathleen (the late Bob) Talley and Michele (Randy) Smith. She was preceded in death by her siblings Barbara (the late Paul) Smialek and Harold (Charlene) Ostendorf. She was especially close with her siblings and cherished the time they spent together over the years.

Sharon dedicated over 20 years of her career as a loan processor, where she was known for her diligence and reliability and built many lasting friendships, always speaking fondly of her work family over the years.

Outside of work and in her retirement years, she immensely enjoyed her time quilting and could often be found trying new cake recipes in the kitchen. She especially loved her trips to Las Vegas with her sisters and friends, along with playing bingo and trying her luck at the slot machines. But more than anything, she deeply loved spending time with her grandchildren and took great pride in each of them.

Sharon will be remembered for her quiet strength, her kind and helpful nature, and for always being there when it mattered. She leaves behind cherished memories and quilts that will continue to comfort her family for years to come.

A visitation will be held on Friday, April 24, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Lauterburg - Oehler Funeral Home, 2000 E. Northwest Highway, Arlington Heights, IL.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.